What is the main purpose of lockout and tagout devices?

The primary purpose of lockout and tagout devices is to protect workers from all possible sources of energy during maintenance and servicing activities. These devices serve as a critical safety measure that ensures that machinery and equipment are properly shut off and not unexpectedly activated while workers are exposed to potentially hazardous conditions.

When a lockout device is applied, it physically prevents the operation of the equipment, while the tagout provides a warning that this control is in place. These practices are vital in preventing accidental energization or the release of stored energy that could cause injury. Ensuring worker safety is the top priority, making the use of lockout and tagout devices essential in any environment where there are multiple energy sources.

This focus on protecting workers from energy sources distinguishes lockout and tagout from other option objectives such as enhancing communication, which, while important, is not the primary function of these devices. Others like tool organization or maintenance, although useful in their own right, do not address the critical safety concerns that lockout and tagout procedures are designed to mitigate.