What does the Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure involve?

The Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure is a critical safety protocol that ensures machinery and equipment are properly shut off and unable to be started up again before maintenance or repair work is done. This procedure involves disabling machinery and securing it with a lock or tag to prevent accidental activation. By doing so, it protects workers from the unexpected release of hazardous energy, which could result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Engaging in LOTO is imperative because it creates a safe working environment, particularly in industrial settings where the equipment can have potentially dangerous energy sources such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or thermal energy. The process requires that authorized personnel follow a set of established steps to ensure that the equipment is completely isolated from its energy source, making it safe to conduct maintenance work.

This emphasis on securing equipment during maintenance is what makes this choice the correct response in the context of the LOTO procedure. The other choices pertain to different aspects of workplace safety and operational efficiency but do not encapsulate the core intent of LOTO, which is specifically about preventing accidental machine start-up during maintenance activities.