During maintenance, what procedure is used to prevent equipment operation?

During maintenance, what procedure is used to prevent equipment operation?

• A. Isolate and Tag Power
• B. Lockout/Tagout
• C. De-energize and Tag
• D. Verify and Operate

Answer: (A)

Lockout/Tagout is the process used to prevent equipment from starting during maintenance by controlling hazardous energy. The idea is to isolate the equipment from all energy sources (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, etc.) and apply a lock to the energy-control device, with a tag attached that identifies who locked it and why. The lock provides a physical barrier that prevents reenergizing, so even if someone tries to move a switch or valve, the device cannot be operated. A tag alone warns of maintenance but does not stop operation, which is why it’s not as effective by itself. The other phrasing describes removing power or tagging without the locking step, or suggests actions that would allow operation, making them incompatible with safe maintenance practices.

Lockout/Tagout is the process used to prevent equipment from starting during maintenance by controlling hazardous energy. The idea is to isolate the equipment from all energy sources (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, etc.) and apply a lock to the energy-control device, with a tag attached that identifies who locked it and why. The lock provides a physical barrier that prevents reenergizing, so even if someone tries to move a switch or valve, the device cannot be operated. A tag alone warns of maintenance but does not stop operation, which is why it’s not as effective by itself. The other phrasing describes removing power or tagging without the locking step, or suggests actions that would allow operation, making them incompatible with safe maintenance practices.