What is the primary purpose of lockout/tagout procedures?

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Lockout/tagout procedures are used to control hazardous energy during service or maintenance. The main goal is to isolate energy sources, prevent unexpected energization or the release of stored energy, and protect workers from injury. This means shutting off the equipment, locking the energy-disconnect device so it cannot be turned back on, and placing a tag to warn others not to operate it until the lockout is removed. It also involves verifying that all residual energy is released or restrained before work starts, such as energy stored in springs, hydraulic systems, or capacitors. Only trained personnel should apply and remove locks, following proper steps to restore energy after the work is done. Other options don’t address energy control or worker safety, focusing instead on fuel use, ease of maintenance, or signal quality.