What is the primary focus of a lockout tagout program?

The primary focus of a lockout tagout program is to protect employees from hazardous energy. This safety procedure is essential in ensuring that machines and equipment are properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work. By isolating the energy sources – whether electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or others – and tagging them to indicate that they are not to be engaged, the risk of accidental injury is significantly reduced.

Implementing a lockout tagout program involves training workers on the hazards associated with energizing machinery and emphasizing the importance of controlling these energy sources effectively. This not only safeguards the employees but also promotes a culture of safety within the workplace, ensuring that the risks associated with equipment maintenance are managed properly. In this context, while other factors such as productivity, material costs, and equipment performance might benefit from a good safety program, the paramount reason for instituting lockout tagout is the protection of personnel from hazardous energy situations.