In lockout/tagout safety practices, what must every worker have to prevent unexpected energization?

• A. Lock
• B. Safety badge
• C. Personal protective equipment
• D. Permit

Answer: (A)

The essential idea in lockout/tagout safety is to physically prevent energy from reaching equipment while it is being serviced. To do this, each worker applies their own lock to the energy-isolating device, so only they can remove it and the equipment cannot be re-energized unexpectedly. A tag may accompany the lock to communicate that the equipment is out of service, but it does not by itself prevent energization. So, the item workers must have to prevent unexpected energization is a lock. Other safety items like badges, PPE, or permits support safety practices, but they do not stop the energy flow the way a lock does.