Isolation and Lockout/Tagout Procedures Flashcards

After applying all isolation measures, what must be done to verify the isolation is effective before workers enter a confined space?

Answer: Attempt to operate the equipment to confirm it does not respond to controls

Testing the controls to confirm the equipment does not respond (try-start test) is a critical verification step to ensure isolation is effective before entry is permitted.

What is meant by the term 'de-energisation' in the context of confined space isolation?

Answer: The process of removing, restraining or dissipating all forms of hazardous energy

De-energisation involves removing or safely containing all hazardous energy — electrical, mechanical, thermal, chemical or gravitational — associated with plant or equipment near the confined space.

If work on a confined space spans multiple shifts, what must happen to the isolation arrangements at each shift changeover?

Answer: Isolation must be re-verified, and workers from the new shift apply their own locks before entry

At shift changeover, isolation must be re-verified and incoming workers must apply their own personal locks before entering, as the outgoing shift's locks should be removed by departing workers.

Under the RIIWHS202E standard, when must the confined space entry permit be cancelled and isolation re-assessed?

Answer: When there is a change in conditions, work scope, or hazards not covered by the original permit

Any change in conditions, personnel, work scope or newly identified hazards requires the permit to be cancelled and a new risk assessment and permit issued to address the updated situation.

Which of the following scenarios represents a failure of isolation procedure for a confined space entry?

Answer: A standby person is stationed at the entry point without a personal lock applied

The standby person does not enter the confined space, so they do not need a personal lock; however, this is not a failure — the actual failure would be if entrants did not apply personal locks.

When planning isolation for a confined space that receives product via an overhead conveyor system, which hazard must specifically be controlled?

Answer: Gravitational energy — the conveyor must be stopped, blocked and unable to move or discharge material

A conveyor system carries gravitational and mechanical energy; it must be physically stopped, locked and mechanically blocked to prevent movement that could release material or cause entrapment.

What documentation must be completed after isolation has been removed and a confined space entry task is finished?

Answer: The entry permit must be closed out, isolation removal recorded, and the permit retained as per site records requirements

Closing out the entry permit, recording the removal of all isolations, and retaining the permit in accordance with site and legislative requirements ensures a complete audit trail.