In the context of managing electrical hazards, what does the lockout/tagout procedure primarily aim to prevent?

The lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure is specifically designed to prevent accidental energization of equipment during maintenance or repair activities. This procedure ensures that machinery and electrical systems are completely shut down and cannot be started up again until maintenance work is completed and the lockout devices are removed. When equipment is properly locked out and tagged out, workers are protected from unexpected energization, which could lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

While unauthorized access, equipment malfunction, and workplace injuries are important safety considerations, the primary focus of the lockout/tagout procedure is to eliminate the risk of equipment unexpectedly being powered on while someone is working on it. This emphasizes the critical importance of controlling hazardous energy sources to maintain a safe working environment.