Practices and procedures that protect workers from unexpected activation or stored energy while working on systems are referred to as what?

The practices and procedures designed to protect workers from unexpected activation or the release of stored energy while they are working on systems are referred to as lockout/tagout (LOTO). This process is critical in ensuring worker safety during maintenance or servicing of machinery. It involves isolating equipment from its energy source and applying locks or tags to ensure that the equipment cannot be inadvertently started up or released. This procedure prevents accidents and injuries caused by the unintentional release of energy, whether it is electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic.

LOTO is a regulatory requirement outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and is considered a best practice in industrial environments. By adhering to LOTO procedures, workers can effectively manage hazardous energy and promote a safer work environment.

Integrating practices such as a Safe Site, which may focus on overall site security and safety protocols, does not specifically address the control of hazardous energy. While the National Electric Code provides standards for electrical safety, it does not focus on the operational procedures surrounding maintenance work. A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is useful for identifying risks within a specific job task but is not a comprehensive procedure for ensuring the control of hazardous energy like LOTO. Therefore, LOTO is the most appropriate choice