What is the purpose of a safety tag in a lockout/tagout procedure?

In a lockout/tagout procedure, the purpose of a safety tag is primarily to warn others not to operate equipment. Safety tags serve as a visual indicator that the equipment is not to be used until certain protocols have been followed. This is crucial for ensuring safety during maintenance or repair work, as it prevents accidental machine start-up that could lead to injuries.

The safety tag conveys important information to anyone who might come into contact with the equipment, signaling that it is under maintenance or repair and should not be operated. By using safety tags, workers and maintenance personnel help create a safer working environment by clearly communicating the status of the equipment to all those nearby.