Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is used to?

• A. De-energize equipment and apply a lock and tag to prevent accidental re-energization; protects workers during maintenance
• B. A device to lock doors
• C. A method to join wires with tags
• D. A form to schedule maintenance windows

Answer: (A)

Lockout/Tagout centers on controlling hazardous energy to protect workers during maintenance by isolating and de-energizing equipment and preventing accidental re-energization. The idea is to split off the energy sources (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal) and ensure the equipment cannot start up while someone is servicing it. Practically, this means de-energizing the machine, locking the energy-isolating device, and tagging it so others know not to re-energize it, with verification that all stored or residual energy has been released or blocked before work begins. This combination—physically locking out power and clearly tagging the status—stops unexpected startup and protects the technician from harm during maintenance.

The option describing a method to de-energize equipment and apply a lock and tag to prevent accidental re-energization, thereby protecting workers during maintenance, matches this purpose exactly. Other choices describe doors, wire joining with tags, or scheduling forms, which do not address controlling hazardous energy to prevent unexpected energization.