Lockout/Tagout is a safety procedure designed to?

• A. To ensure machines cannot start during maintenance
• B. To improve machine efficiency
• C. To schedule production
• D. To document maintenance timelines

Answer: (A)

Lockout/Tagout is about preventing the machine from being energized while someone is working on it. The idea is to isolate all energy sources, apply a lock to the energy-control device so the equipment cannot be started, and use a tag as a warning that maintenance is in progress. This keeps workers safe from sudden startup, or from being exposed to hazardous energy releases or moving parts during servicing. In practice, this means engineers or technicians can repair, adjust, or inspect equipment without the risk of it turning on unexpectedly.

The other options miss the core purpose. Improving efficiency isn’t about safety during maintenance, scheduling production isn’t the aim of this procedure, and documenting maintenance timelines is helpful but not the primary safety objective of lockout/tagout.