Which procedure is used to ensure energy sources are safely isolated when performing maintenance on systems?

Which procedure is used to ensure energy sources are safely isolated when performing maintenance on systems?

• A. LOTO
• B. SOP
• C. JSA
• D. QA

Answer: (A)

Lockout-tagout is the procedure used to safely isolate energy sources before maintenance. It provides a physical lock or device that prevents the machine from being energized again while work is being carried out, and a tag that warns others that maintenance is in progress. This combination stops unexpected startup and release of stored energy, which is the main risk during maintenance. In practice, you identify all energy sources for the equipment, shut it down, isolate each energy source, apply a locking device and a warning tag, and verify that no residual energy remains before starting work. After maintenance, you remove the locks only after rechecking that it’s safe, ensuring the area is clear and everyone is informed. This targeted procedure is what specifically mitigates the hazard of unexpected energization. The other options address broader safety or quality processes rather than the act of isolating energy sources. A standard operating procedure guides how to perform tasks in general. A job safety analysis assesses risks before work. Quality assurance focuses on meeting quality requirements.

Lockout-tagout is the procedure used to safely isolate energy sources before maintenance. It provides a physical lock or device that prevents the machine from being energized again while work is being carried out, and a tag that warns others that maintenance is in progress. This combination stops unexpected startup and release of stored energy, which is the main risk during maintenance.

In practice, you identify all energy sources for the equipment, shut it down, isolate each energy source, apply a locking device and a warning tag, and verify that no residual energy remains before starting work. After maintenance, you remove the locks only after rechecking that it’s safe, ensuring the area is clear and everyone is informed. This targeted procedure is what specifically mitigates the hazard of unexpected energization.

The other options address broader safety or quality processes rather than the act of isolating energy sources. A standard operating procedure guides how to perform tasks in general. A job safety analysis assesses risks before work. Quality assurance focuses on meeting quality requirements.