What does lockout/tagout refer to in safety practices?

Lockout/tagout is a critical safety procedure that prevents the accidental release of hazardous energy during maintenance or servicing of machinery and equipment. It involves isolating energy sources—such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic—so that workers can perform their tasks safely without the risk of unexpected activation or energy release.

The process typically includes placing a lockout device on the energy-isolating device, and a tagout warning label is applied to inform others that the equipment is not to be operated. This is vital in ensuring that machinery remains inoperable until it's safe for maintenance activities to commence. The implementation of lockout/tagout significantly decreases the risk of injuries and fatalities, making it a fundamental concept in workplace safety protocols.

Given the context of the other options, they do not encapsulate the essence of lockout/tagout procedures. Emergency response procedures relate to how to react in case of incidents rather than preventing them. Securing tools after use pertains to workplace organization and safety but does not specifically address the energy hazards that lockout/tagout targets. Working with live equipment contradicts the fundamental intentions of lockout/tagout, which is to ensure that equipment is de-energized and made safe for maintenance. Thus, safeguarding from unexpected energy release is