Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures Flashcards

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, what is the primary purpose of a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program?

Answer: To control hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance of machinery

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 requires LOTO programs to control hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance to prevent unexpected energization, startup, or release of stored energy.

Who is classified as an 'authorized employee' under a Lockout/Tagout program?

Answer: An employee who locks out or tags out machines to perform service or maintenance

An authorized employee is one who locks out or tags out equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance, as defined by OSHA 1910.147.

As a Work Permit Receiver, what must you verify BEFORE allowing work to begin under a LOTO-related permit?

Answer: That all energy isolation devices are properly locked and/or tagged out

The Work Permit Receiver must confirm that all energy isolation points are locked and/or tagged out before authorizing work to begin, ensuring zero-energy state.

What is 'stored energy' in the context of Lockout/Tagout, and why is it a concern?

Answer: Residual energy such as compressed springs, pressurized fluids, or capacitor charge that can cause injury after isolation

Stored (residual) energy—such as hydraulic pressure, compressed springs, or charged capacitors—can release unexpectedly even after isolation, posing serious injury risks if not relieved or restrained.

When is tagout alone acceptable instead of lockout under OSHA 1910.147?

Answer: Only when the energy isolation device cannot accept a lock and the employer demonstrates equivalent protection

Tagout alone is permitted only when the energy-isolating device cannot physically accept a lock, and the employer demonstrates that the tagout program provides full protection equivalent to lockout.

How many locks should be applied to a single lockout device when multiple authorized employees are working on the same piece of equipment?

Answer: One lock for each authorized employee performing work on the equipment

Each authorized employee must apply their own personal lock to the energy isolation device (via a hasp if needed), ensuring no one can remove the lockout without every worker's knowledge.

What step must be taken to verify that a machine is in a zero-energy state before work begins?

Answer: Attempt to operate or activate the equipment after lockout/tagout has been applied

After applying LOTO, the authorized employee must attempt to start or operate the equipment to verify it will not energize, confirming zero-energy state before servicing.