Is power lockout preparation only necessary if machines are over 50 feet from the nearest power cutoff?

Power lockout preparation is essential regardless of the distance of machines from the nearest power cutoff. Lockout/tagout procedures are critical safety practices designed to ensure that machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing activities. These procedures protect workers from the unexpected release of hazardous energy.

Preparation for a power lockout is necessary in all scenarios where maintenance or service work is being performed on equipment, without exception to distance. This is to eliminate risks associated with equipment that might inadvertently be energized while being worked on. The correct understanding reinforces that safety protocols must be followed consistently, ensuring that all workers are protected from potential hazards, regardless of their proximity to power sources.