What is the consequence of failing to follow tag out procedures?

Failing to follow tag out procedures can lead to equipment damage or injury because these procedures are essential for ensuring that machinery is properly shut down and rendered inoperative before maintenance work begins. Tag out procedures involve placing warning tags on equipment to alert personnel that it should not be operated, thus protecting maintenance workers from unexpected energization or startup. Without adhering to these safety measures, there is a risk that a machine could unexpectedly start operating, which can result in serious injuries to personnel or damage to the equipment itself.

While increased operational efficiency may seem beneficial, it actually contradicts the purpose of adherence to safety protocols like tag out. Delays in maintenance may result from additional safety checks or procedures, yet safety must always take precedence over efficiency. Unauthorized access may occur as a separate concern, but it does not directly correlate with the immediate risks posed by neglecting proper tag out practices. Therefore, the main consequence of not following these procedures is the potential for significant harm or equipment failure.