What must be done before maintenance or servicing can begin in a lockout/tagout scenario?

In a lockout/tagout scenario, the primary objective is to ensure that a machine or equipment is properly shut down and cannot be inadvertently started up again while maintenance or servicing is being performed. To achieve this, the equipment must be isolated from its energy sources and locked out. This means physically securing the energy-isolating device to prevent the release of hazardous energy and tagging it to indicate that maintenance is in progress.

By following this procedure, employers can protect workers from potential accidents related to unexpected machine start-up or release of hazardous energy. This step is critical as it establishes a safe environment for personnel performing maintenance tasks.

While clearing the area of personnel and reviewing safety manuals are essential practices in various safety protocols, they do not take precedence over the actual locking out of the equipment, which is fundamental to the lockout/tagout process. Restarting the machine after tagging would directly contradict the goal of lockout/tagout, as it could lead to unsafe conditions.