What is the purpose of a 'lockout/tagout' system?

The purpose of a 'lockout/tagout' system is to prevent accidental energizing of the circuit, which is crucial for ensuring safety during maintenance and repair operations. This system involves physically locking and tagging out equipment to indicate that it should not be energized. When maintenance personnel are working on or near equipment, it's essential to ensure that it remains in a zero-energy state to avoid unexpected startup or release of stored energy, which could lead to accidents or injuries.

In this context, the system is a critical safety procedure that safeguards workers while they perform potentially hazardous tasks involving machinery or electrical circuits. While other choices refer to beneficial aspects of workplace efficiency and support, they do not directly address the primary safety function of lockout/tagout practices.