What is the purpose of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) in electrical safety, and what are the key steps?

• A. To prevent unexpected energization during maintenance; steps include isolation, lockout with locks, tagout, verifying de-energization, testing for absence of voltage, and re-energizing only after safe conditions.
• B. To reduce noise in the workshop; steps include turning off breakers and posting a sign.
• C. To document daily tasks; steps include filling out form and storing.
• D. To monitor energy usage; steps include measuring current.

Answer: (B)

Lockout/Tagout is about preventing unexpected energization or start-up of equipment while someone is performing maintenance or repair. The goal is to ensure that all energy sources controlling the equipment are isolated and cannot be re-energized until the work is safely finished and the area is clear.

Key steps involve: identifying all energy sources that feed the equipment and who might be affected; shutting the equipment down using normal controls; isolating it from power or other energy sources with appropriate devices; applying a lock to each energy isolation point and attaching a tag that warns the equipment must not be energized; verifying that de-energization has actually occurred and that no stored or residual energy could cause a release (often including testing for absence of voltage); and only after the work is complete, clearing the area and re-energizing the equipment in a controlled way.

Other options describe unrelated goals, such as reducing noise, documenting daily tasks, or monitoring energy usage, which do not address preventing unexpected energization during maintenance.