What is lockout/tagout and why is it used?

• A. A system to monitor energy usage.
• B. A method of labeling wire insulation.
• C. Procedures to ensure equipment is de-energized and cannot be restarted during maintenance.
• D. A procedure for crimping connectors.

Answer: (C)

Lockout/tagout is a safety practice used during maintenance to ensure that machinery is fully isolated from all energy sources and cannot be restarted. The goal is to protect workers from injuries caused by unexpected energization or the release of stored energy while someone is servicing the equipment. The process involves locking the energy control devices to keep them from being turned back on and tagging them to warn others that maintenance is in progress. Each worker who works on the equipment applies their own lock, and the locks stay in place until the work is finished and the area is verified safe. Only then is the energy released and the equipment restarted. This is not about monitoring energy use, labeling insulation, or crimping connectors, which are unrelated tasks.