Isolation and Lockout/Tagout Procedures Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of isolating energy sources before entering a confined space?

Answer: To prevent accidental activation of equipment that could endanger entrants

Isolation prevents the unexpected release of stored energy or activation of equipment that could cause injury or death to workers inside the confined space.

Under Australian WHS regulations, which of the following is the most reliable method of isolating a mechanical hazard in a confined space?

Answer: Physical disconnection or blanking of the energy source with lockout applied

Physical disconnection or blanking combined with lockout provides positive isolation that cannot be overridden accidentally, unlike signs or verbal notification alone.

What does the term 'positive isolation' mean in the context of confined space entry?

Answer: Physically separating the energy source so it cannot be reconnected without deliberate action

Positive isolation means the energy source is physically separated — for example by a blank flange or physical disconnection — so it cannot be restored without removing the isolation device.

When multiple workers are entering a confined space under a single isolation, each worker should:

Answer: Apply their own personal lock to the lockout device

Each individual worker must apply their own personal lock so that the energy source cannot be re-energised while any worker remains in the space.

A 'blanking plate' or 'blind flange' is used in confined space isolation primarily to:

Answer: Physically seal a pipe or duct to prevent the flow of substances into the space

A blank flange or blanking plate is inserted into a pipe or duct to provide a physical barrier preventing gases, liquids or other substances from entering the confined space.

Before removing an isolation lock at the end of confined space work, the responsible person must first:

Answer: Confirm all workers have exited and are accounted for

All workers must be confirmed as out of the space before any isolation is removed, ensuring no person remains at risk when energy is restored.

Which Australian Standard provides guidance on the isolation of plant and equipment in the context of hazardous energy control?

Answer: AS/NZS 4024.1604 – Safety of Machinery: Design of Controls for Isolation of Energy

AS/NZS 4024.1604 covers the design of control measures for the isolation and dissipation of hazardous energy in machinery and plant.