When preparing for a lockout/tagout, you should _____.

When preparing for a lockout/tagout, you should _____.

• A. Notify supervisor
• B. Stop all equipment
• C. Test the energy source
• D. Check the procedures to ensure that no changes have been made since the last lockout/tagout

Answer: (D)

Before you apply any lockout or tagout, the most important step is to verify that the current energy-control plan is still valid. You check the procedures to ensure nothing has changed since the last lockout/tagout. Changes to equipment, energy sources, disconnect points, or control devices can make a previous lockout incomplete or ineffective. By reviewing and confirming the procedures, you ensure you’re isolating all sources of hazardous energy relevant to the task and using the correct points, devices, and steps for this specific situation. If you discover changes, update the plan or obtain the newer authorization before proceeding, so the lockout truly protects anyone working on or near the equipment. Notifying the supervisor or stopping equipment are important parts of a broader LOTO process, and testing the energy source is not appropriate during preparation because it can re-energize equipment or create unexpected hazards. The key focus here is confirming the procedures are current.

Before you apply any lockout or tagout, the most important step is to verify that the current energy-control plan is still valid. You check the procedures to ensure nothing has changed since the last lockout/tagout. Changes to equipment, energy sources, disconnect points, or control devices can make a previous lockout incomplete or ineffective. By reviewing and confirming the procedures, you ensure you’re isolating all sources of hazardous energy relevant to the task and using the correct points, devices, and steps for this specific situation. If you discover changes, update the plan or obtain the newer authorization before proceeding, so the lockout truly protects anyone working on or near the equipment.

Notifying the supervisor or stopping equipment are important parts of a broader LOTO process, and testing the energy source is not appropriate during preparation because it can re-energize equipment or create unexpected hazards. The key focus here is confirming the procedures are current.