What is a procedure designed to protect workers from hazardous energy?

Lockout/tagout is a critical safety procedure used to protect workers from hazardous energy during maintenance and servicing of machinery. This procedure involves isolating the machinery from its energy source and effectively locking or tagging it to prevent accidental re-energization while work is being performed. By ensuring that equipment cannot be started unexpectedly, lockout/tagout helps to safeguard workers from injuries associated with the release of uncontrolled energy, which could result in severe accidents or fatalities.

The significance of this procedure cannot be overstated as it provides a systematic approach to managing and controlling hazardous energy. It typically requires specific steps to be followed, including notifying affected employees, shutting down machines, isolating them from their energy sources, applying lockout/tagout devices, and verifying that the machines cannot be operated before starting work.

In contrast, safety inspections involve checking for compliance with safety standards but do not specifically address hazardous energy control. Hazard communication focuses on informing and training employees about chemical hazards rather than energy control procedures. Emergency evacuation plans deal with actions to take in the event of an emergency but do not mitigate risks associated with hazardous energy during maintenance. Therefore, lockout/tagout stands out as the essential procedure tailored for the protection of workers from the dangers posed by hazardous energy.