What are the specific steps called for shutting down and isolating machines to control hazards?

The specific steps for shutting down and isolating machines to control hazards are known as lockout/tagout procedures. This practice is crucial in ensuring the safety of workers by preventing the accidental energization of equipment or the release of stored energy during maintenance or servicing activities.

Lockout/tagout procedures involve using locks and tags to securely isolate energy sources and provide clear warnings that maintenance is being performed, ensuring that workers are protected from hazardous energies such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic power. This approach is a fundamental aspect of workplace safety regulations, particularly in industries where machinery poses significant risks.

The other choices, while related to safety and maintenance, do not refer specifically to the systematic method of controlling hazardous energy. Risk assessment protocols focus on identifying potential hazards, maintenance schedules outline periodic servicing tasks, and operational checks are used to ensure equipment is functioning correctly—all vital in their own right, but not directly linked to the isolation and shutdown processes encapsulated in lockout/tagout procedures.