Which sequence correctly outlines the basic steps of a standard lockout/tagout procedure?

Which sequence correctly outlines the basic steps of a standard lockout/tagout procedure?

• A. Identify energy sources; isolate energy; verify zero energy; apply locks/tags; perform maintenance; remove locks/tags and restore energy.
• B. Verify zero energy; identify energy sources; isolate energy; remove locks/tags; perform maintenance; restore energy.
• C. Isolate energy; identify energy sources; apply locks/tags; verify zero energy; perform maintenance; restore energy.
• D. Identify energy sources; apply locks/tags; isolate energy; verify zero energy; perform maintenance; restore energy.

Answer: (A)

Identifying all energy sources first is essential because you need to know every potential path that could energize the equipment. If a source is missed, energy could surge back on and create danger. After you’ve named the sources, you isolate energy by physically disconnecting or shutting off the energy paths so the equipment cannot receive power. Then you verify zero energy to ensure nothing is still energized or stored—think of residual or stored energy in springs, capacitors, pressure lines, or gravity. Only after this confirmation do you apply locks and tags, which provide a physical and visual barrier to re-energizing the equipment while maintenance is underway. With the system safely isolated and locked out, you can perform the maintenance task. Finally, once work is complete and the area is safe, you remove the locks/tags and restore energy to bring the equipment back online. The sequence in the other options either skips identifying sources, applies locks before confirming zero energy, or re-energizes before work is finished, which compromises safety.

Identifying all energy sources first is essential because you need to know every potential path that could energize the equipment. If a source is missed, energy could surge back on and create danger. After you’ve named the sources, you isolate energy by physically disconnecting or shutting off the energy paths so the equipment cannot receive power. Then you verify zero energy to ensure nothing is still energized or stored—think of residual or stored energy in springs, capacitors, pressure lines, or gravity. Only after this confirmation do you apply locks and tags, which provide a physical and visual barrier to re-energizing the equipment while maintenance is underway. With the system safely isolated and locked out, you can perform the maintenance task. Finally, once work is complete and the area is safe, you remove the locks/tags and restore energy to bring the equipment back online. The sequence in the other options either skips identifying sources, applies locks before confirming zero energy, or re-energizes before work is finished, which compromises safety.