What is the primary purpose of lockout/tagout procedures?

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Lockout/tagout is about controlling hazardous energy so equipment cannot start up or release stored energy while someone is working on it, keeping workers safe from surprise energization. The main idea is to isolate all energy sources and use a lock to physically hold the energy‑isolating device in the off position, with a tag warning that the work is in progress and energy must not be restored until the device is removed by the person who applied it. This prevents unexpected startup, motion, or release of stored energy that could cause injuries. If locking isn’t possible, a tagout warning is used to communicate that energy must not be restored, but the lock provides the strongest protection because it physically prevents energizing. Documentation of maintenance, security alerts, or scheduling downtime are important in broader safety and operations, but they don’t directly prevent unexpected energization like lockout/tagout does.