What does a "lockout/tagout" procedure ensure?

The "lockout/tagout" procedure is a critical safety practice used in various industries to ensure that machinery and equipment are properly shut off and cannot be restarted until maintenance or servicing tasks are completed. This practice involves placing a lock or tag on energy-isolating devices, thus preventing the accidental energization of the equipment while work is being performed.

This safety measure is particularly important because it protects workers from the dangers posed by unexpected machinery startup, which can lead to serious accidents or injuries. By implementing lockout/tagout protocols, organizations create a safe working environment where employees can perform their tasks without the risk of equipment suddenly turning on.

The other options do not correctly reflect the purpose of the lockout/tagout procedure. For example, simply storing equipment properly or ensuring only authorized personnel can operate machinery does not address the specific need to prevent accidental re-energization during maintenance. Similarly, stating that all circuits are energized contradicts the foundational principle of lockout/tagout, which is to ensure circuits remain de-energized during maintenance. Thus, the emphasis on shutting off equipment completely and ensuring it cannot be restarted until work is done is why this answer stands out as correct.