Workers performing service or maintenance on machinery and equipment may be exposed to injuries from the unexpected energization, startup of the machinery or equipment, or release of stored energy in the equipment.
The Lockout/Tagout standard requires the adoption and implementation of practices and procedures to shut down equipment, isolate it from its energy source(s), and prevent the release of potentially hazardous energy while maintenance and servicing activities are being performed.
It contains minimum performance requirements, and definitive criteria for establishing an effective program for the control of hazardous energy.
However, employers have the flexibility to develop lockout/tagout programs that are suitable for their respective facilities.