Explain the purpose of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) in theatre maintenance.

• A. To isolate energy sources and prevent unexpected startup during maintenance, with a lock and tag.
• B. To lock stage doors during rehearsals.
• C. To tag every prop before use.
• D. To lock out all lighting equipment only.

Answer: (A)

Lockout/Tagout is about preventing accidental energization or release of stored energy while someone is performing maintenance. In theatre, that means isolating the specific energy source that could start or move a piece of equipment—like switching off power, closing a valve, or securing a motor—and then applying a lock to the energy‑isolating device along with a tag that identifies who is performing the work and why. The lock prevents anyone from re-energizing the equipment, while the tag warns others that maintenance is in progress and who to contact for the status or removal of the lock.

This approach is essential for work on flying systems, rigging, electrical gear, lighting, sound, and other machinery where unexpected startup or released energy could cause injury. The lock provides physical restraint; the tag provides documented communication about the hazard and the person responsible. The other options miss the point: locking stage doors is a security measure, tagging every prop is not related to energy isolation, and locking only lighting equipment would ignore other potential energy sources and doesn’t ensure the required physical and informational safeguards.