What is the proper procedure for locking out multiple energy sources on a single machine?

What is the proper procedure for locking out multiple energy sources on a single machine?

• A. Apply lockout devices to each energy source, verify zero energy state, and tag each lock with the worker's ID
• B. De-energize without lockout if no one is present
• C. Use a single generic tag
• D. Only lock out the main switch

Answer: (A)

Lockout/Tagout requires securing every energy source that could energize a machine to prevent unexpected startup or release of stored energy during service. When a single machine has multiple energy sources, the correct procedure is to isolate each source, apply a lockout device to every one, verify that the machine is in a zero-energy state, and tag each lock with the worker’s ID. This ensures complete isolation so no energy can flow from any source, and it creates an accountability trail so only the person who placed the locks can remove them. This combination of locking all sources and verifying zero energy is what keeps workers safe during maintenance. De-energizing without lockout isn’t safe because there’s nothing to prevent someone from re-energizing the machine. A single generic tag doesn’t identify who placed the lock or control all sources, leaving other energy paths active. Locking only the main switch ignores other energy sources, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, gravity, or stored energy, which could still pose a hazard.

Lockout/Tagout requires securing every energy source that could energize a machine to prevent unexpected startup or release of stored energy during service. When a single machine has multiple energy sources, the correct procedure is to isolate each source, apply a lockout device to every one, verify that the machine is in a zero-energy state, and tag each lock with the worker’s ID. This ensures complete isolation so no energy can flow from any source, and it creates an accountability trail so only the person who placed the locks can remove them. This combination of locking all sources and verifying zero energy is what keeps workers safe during maintenance.

De-energizing without lockout isn’t safe because there’s nothing to prevent someone from re-energizing the machine. A single generic tag doesn’t identify who placed the lock or control all sources, leaving other energy paths active. Locking only the main switch ignores other energy sources, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, gravity, or stored energy, which could still pose a hazard.