What is a primary purpose of having a written LOTO program?

• A. To ensure compliance and provide procedures
• B. To train only maintenance staff
• C. To avoid periodic review
• D. To document near-miss reports

Answer: (A)

A written LOTO program establishes a consistent, documented energy-control process to prevent unexpected energization, start-up, or release of stored energy during maintenance or servicing. It lays out the procedures for isolating energy sources, the specific lockout and tagout devices to use, who is authorized or affected, and the steps to verify that energy has been fully isolated before work begins. This documentation supports OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, providing a clear reference for training, inspections, accountability, and enforcement, so everyone follows the same safe method regardless of who is performing the task.

Training and procedures are not limited to one group or left to ad-hoc practices, and the plan is reviewed and updated over time, not avoided. Documenting near-miss reports or other safety data serves other purposes and is not the primary aim of a LOTO program, which focuses on preventing harm from hazardous energy during work.