Tagout, a critical safety procedure used in industries worldwide, plays a vital role in ensuring the protection of workers during maintenance and repair activities. This safety mechanism, often implemented alongside its counterpart Lockout, aims to prevent the accidental activation of machinery and equipment. In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of Tagout, its significance, and how it contributes to maintaining a safe working environment.
What is Tagout? Tagout is a safety protocol used to secure machinery and equipment during servicing or maintenance work. Unlike Lockout, which physically isolates the energy source of a machine (typically through locks), Tagout involves placing a clearly visible warning tag on the equipment. This tag serves as a notice that the equipment should not be operated or tampered with until the tag is removed by an authorized individual. The tag typically contains important information, such as the name of the technician performing the work, the nature of the maintenance, and the date of the activity. It serves as a clear visual alert to anyone working in the vicinity that the equipment is under maintenance, preventing accidental activation or energy release that could result in injury.