What is the purpose of applying a lockout/tagout device on equipment undergoing maintenance?

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When maintenance is being done, the goal is to prevent the machine from starting or releasing stored energy unexpectedly. A lockout/tagout device accomplishes this by isolating all energy sources and securing them in the off or neutral position. The lock provides a physical barrier that only the person who applied it can remove, while the tag serves as a prominent warning that work is in progress. This system protects workers from shocks, burns, or crushing injuries that could occur if the equipment were energized or released while someone is servicing it. It’s not about signaling that maintenance is finished, identifying the technician, or speeding up the work—it's about keeping the equipment safely inoperable until it’s safe to resume.