710 Energy Control Program (Lockout/Tagout)

Lockout, Tagout, or Lockout/Tagout? How to Decide

You have three choices:

1. Lockout (LO). If you can lock out an energy-isolating device, then you must lock it out before you service the equipment that it controls.
2. Tagout (TO). If you can't lock out an energy-isolating device, then you must tag it out.
3. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO). A best practice is to use both locks and tags. Require authorized employees to attach a tag when securing the lockout device. Provide custom tags that include pictures of authorized employees.

Full Employee Protection

You must demonstrate the protection achieved using the tagout program is equivalent to the level of safety obtained by using a lockout program.

So, how do you do it? You must comply with all tagout-related provisions and use additional safety measures that provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by using lockout.

Examples include:

• removing and isolating a circuit element;
• blocking a controlling switch;
• opening an extra disconnecting device; and
• removing a valve handle to reduce the potential for any inadvertent energization while the tags are attached.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.