RIIWHS202E Isolation and Lockout/Tagout Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct sequence for applying a lockout/tagout procedure before confined space entry?
- Notify workers, apply tag, shut down equipment, test for isolation
- Shut down equipment, isolate energy source, dissipate stored energy, apply lock and tag, verify isolation (Correct answer)
- Apply lock, shut down equipment, notify workers, verify atmosphere
- Isolate energy, notify workers, verify atmosphere, apply tag
Correct answer: Shut down equipment, isolate energy source, dissipate stored energy, apply lock and tag, verify isolation
The correct sequence ensures the equipment is safely shut down, all energy is isolated and residual energy dissipated, before locks and tags are applied and isolation is verified.
Question 2: A danger tag attached to an isolation point in a confined space entry situation means:
- The equipment is safe to operate with care
- The equipment must not be operated or the isolation removed (Correct answer)
- The tag indicates the equipment has been inspected and passed
- The equipment is available for use by authorised personnel only
Correct answer: The equipment must not be operated or the isolation removed
A danger tag is a warning device that must not be removed or bypassed; it indicates the equipment or isolation must not be disturbed while the tag is in place.
Question 3: Why must stored energy (such as pressure, gravity or capacitive charge) be dissipated as part of isolation procedures?
- To allow the entry permit to be signed off faster
- Because stored energy can be released unexpectedly even after the power source is isolated (Correct answer)
- To improve air quality within the confined space
- To reduce the weight of equipment before it is removed
Correct answer: Because stored energy can be released unexpectedly even after the power source is isolated
Even after isolation, stored energy such as compressed air, hydraulic pressure or electrical charge can be released, causing serious injury unless it is safely dissipated.
Question 4: In a confined space with multiple energy sources (electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic), which statement about isolation is correct?
- Isolating the electrical supply is sufficient as it powers the other systems
- Each energy source must be individually identified and isolated (Correct answer)
- Only the highest-risk energy source needs to be isolated
- The supervisor can verbally authorise work without isolating all sources
Correct answer: Each energy source must be individually identified and isolated
Each energy source must be individually identified, isolated and locked out because residual energy in hydraulic or pneumatic systems can cause harm even when electrical power is removed.
Question 5: Who is responsible for ensuring all isolation points are identified and documented on the confined space entry permit?
- The entry team leader or authorised person issuing the permit (Correct answer)
- The plant operator who normally runs the equipment
- The standby person stationed at the entry point
- The workplace health and safety representative
Correct answer: The entry team leader or authorised person issuing the permit
The authorised person issuing the entry permit is responsible for identifying all energy sources, documenting isolation points, and ensuring isolations are in place before authorising entry.
Question 6: What action should a worker take if they discover that an isolation lock has been removed without authorisation while they are still inside a confined space?
- Continue working and report the issue when they exit
- Re-apply the lock themselves using a spare lock from the entry kit
- Exit the confined space immediately and raise the alarm (Correct answer)
- Contact the supervisor by radio before deciding whether to exit
Correct answer: Exit the confined space immediately and raise the alarm
An unauthorised removal of an isolation lock creates an immediate risk of energy being restored; all workers must exit the confined space immediately and the incident reported.
Question 7: The purpose of a group lockout hasp in confined space isolation is to:
- Allow only one designated lock to secure multiple energy sources simultaneously
- Enable multiple workers to each apply their own personal lock to a single isolation point (Correct answer)
- Serve as the primary danger tag holder for the entry permit
- Replace the need for individual worker locks in low-risk confined spaces
Correct answer: Enable multiple workers to each apply their own personal lock to a single isolation point
A group lockout hasp has multiple holes allowing each member of the entry team to attach their own personal lock, ensuring the isolation cannot be removed while any individual's lock remains in place.
RIIWHS202E Isolation and Lockout/Tagout Procedures 2
What is the correct sequence for applying a lockout/tagout procedure before confined space entry?