What is lockout-tagout (LOTO) and why is it important in CBM T6?

• A. Procedures to isolate energy sources during maintenance; prevents unexpected energization and protects workers.
• B. A system for tagging equipment with failure codes after use.
• C. A process to document inventory counts.
• D. A method to approve changes to SOPs during emergencies.

Answer: (A)

Lockout-tagout is a safety practice used to ensure machines are fully de-energized and cannot start unexpectedly while maintenance or repair work is being done. It works by isolating all energy sources that could power the equipment—electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, thermal, or other stored energy—and applying a lock to the energy-isolating device plus a tag that warns others not to energize or operate the equipment until the work is finished. This prevents accidental startup and the release of hazardous energy, protecting workers from injury.

In CBM T6, following this procedure is essential whenever someone is servicing equipment or performing adjustments, because it creates a safe window where maintenance can be completed without the risk of unexpected energization. The other options describe activities that aren’t about controlling energy to keep people safe during service—tagging failure codes, counting inventory, or changing SOPs during emergencies—so they don’t address the protective purpose of LOTO.