What is a proper lockout/tagout practice for equipment under maintenance?

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Preventing unexpected startup by isolating all energy sources and clearly signaling that maintenance is in progress is the purpose of lockout/tagout. The best approach is to ensure the equipment is de-energized before work begins and then apply a lockout device along with a tag that states maintenance is in progress and who is responsible. The lock physically prevents re-energizing, while the tag communicates that the equipment should not be operated until the lockout is removed by the authorized person. This combination reduces the risk of a surprise startup and protects anyone working on the equipment. Energizing the equipment while it’s being serviced defeats the safety purpose. Removing safety tags prematurely undermines protection, and ignoring energy control when a device could still release energy (even if it’s hot) creates a hazardous situation.