What does Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures primarily address during servicing or maintenance?

• A. Permit-required confined spaces
• B. Hazard communication
• C. Stored energy to prevent unexpected startup or release
• D. Process safety management

Answer: (C)

Lockout/Tagout procedures focus on controlling all sources of energy that could move, start, or release during servicing, so workers aren’t hurt by unexpected startup or the sudden release of stored energy. The key idea is to isolate and secure energy sources—electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, gravitational, springs, and others—so that equipment remains in a safe, de-energized state while maintenance or repair is performed. This typically involves identifying energy sources, isolating them, applying a lock (to prevent re-energizing) and a tag (to warn that the equipment is under work), and then verifying zero energy before work begins. Only after the work is finished and the area is safe is the lock removed and the machine re-energized by the authorized person. While other safety topics like confined spaces or hazard communication address different hazards, lockout/tagout is specifically about preventing injuries from unexpected energy release during maintenance.