NFPA 70E Lockout Tagout Electrical Procedures
58 flashcards covering NFPA 70E Lockout Tagout Electrical Procedures for the OSHA Electrical Safety / NFPA 70E section.
NFPA 70E Lockout Tagout Electrical Procedures cover the essential steps for safely de-energizing electrical equipment to prevent accidental startup during maintenance or repairs, focusing on hazards like arc flash and electric shock. This standard is defined by the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 70E guidelines, which OSHA has incorporated into its regulations for construction and general industry safety.
On OSHA Outreach Training exams, this topic typically features multiple-choice or scenario-based questions that assess knowledge of LOTO sequences, such as proper application of locks and tags or identifying energy sources. Common traps include misunderstanding the difference between lockout (physical prevention) and tagout (warning only), or forgetting to verify energy isolation before work begins.
One real-world tip often overlooked: Always conduct a voltage test on equipment even after locking it out to confirm it's truly de-energized.
Terms (58)
- 01
What is the definition of lockout in electrical safety procedures?
Lockout is the placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance with established procedures, ensuring that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed (NFPA 70E, Article 120).
- 02
How often must energy control procedures be reviewed under lockout/tagout standards?
At least annually to ensure that the procedures and requirements are being followed, with each authorized employee reviewing their responsibilities (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)).
- 03
What is required when multiple personnel are working on the same equipment under lockout/tagout?
Each person must apply their own lockout or tagout device to the energy isolating device, ensuring individual control until their work is completed (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(4)).
- 04
Under 29 CFR 1910.147, what devices are used for lockout?
Lockout devices such as locks, tags, chains, or blocks that are capable of being locked and are singularly identified, preventing the machine or equipment from being operated (29 CFR 1910.147(b)).
- 05
What is tagout in the context of electrical safety?
Tagout is the placement of a tagout device on an energy isolating device to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed (NFPA 70E, Article 120).
- 06
How must lockout devices be removed after servicing electrical equipment?
They must be removed by the employee who applied them, and only after verifying that all employees are safely positioned or removed from the area (29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)).
- 07
When preparing for lockout/tagout on electrical systems, what must be identified first?
All sources of energy that could potentially energize the equipment must be identified, including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, and thermal energy (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1)).
- 08
A worker finds an improperly applied tagout on electrical equipment. What should they do?
The worker should report it to the authorized employee or supervisor and not attempt to operate or remove the tagout device until proper verification and correction (29 CFR 1910.147(f)(4)).
- 09
Under NFPA 70E, what training is required for employees involved in lockout/tagout?
Authorized employees must be trained in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy, and the means and methods of isolating and controlling the energy (NFPA 70E, Article 110).
- 10
What is the role of an energy control program in lockout/tagout procedures?
It establishes the methods and means to control hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance of machines or equipment, including written procedures and employee training (29 CFR 1910.147(c)).
- 11
Before re-energizing equipment after lockout/tagout, what steps must be taken?
All tools and materials must be removed from the equipment, employees must be safely positioned, and guards must be reinstalled, followed by removal of lockout or tagout devices (29 CFR 1910.147(e)(2)).
- 12
Under 29 CFR 1910.147, when is a tagout system acceptable instead of lockout?
When an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked out, a tagout system may be used if it provides a level of safety equivalent to lockout (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(3)).
- 13
What must be included in written energy control procedures for lockout/tagout?
Specific steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking, and securing machines, as well as steps for the placement, removal, and transfer of lockout or tagout devices (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)).
- 14
In a lockout/tagout scenario involving group lockout, how is employee protection ensured?
By using a group lockout device or equivalent method that ensures continued protection until all employees have completed their work (29 CFR 1910.147(f)(3)).
- 15
What is required for the periodic inspection of energy control procedures?
The inspection must be performed at least annually by an authorized employee other than the one utilizing the procedure, and it must include a review of responsibilities (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)).
- 16
Under NFPA 70E, what verification is needed after applying lockout/tagout?
The absence of voltage must be verified using an adequately rated voltage detector to ensure the equipment is de-energized (NFPA 70E, Article 120).
- 17
When must additional energy control measures be applied during lockout/tagout?
If the equipment has multiple energy sources, all must be controlled, and any stored energy must be dissipated or restrained (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(2)).
- 18
What types of energy sources are covered under lockout/tagout procedures?
Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and other energy sources that could cause harm (29 CFR 1910.147(a)(2)(ii)).
- 19
Under 29 CFR 1910.147, who must be notified before lockout/tagout is applied?
Affected employees who operate or work with the equipment must be notified of the application and the reason for it (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)).
- 20
What documentation is needed for lockout/tagout procedures?
Written energy control procedures must be developed, documented, and made available for each machine or type of machine (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)).
- 21
How should lockout devices be standardized in a facility?
They must be durable, standardized by color, shape, or size, and substantial enough to minimize accidental or inadvertent removal (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)).
- 22
In a scenario where an employee forgets their lockout device, what must happen?
The employer must ensure that the employee does not proceed until a lockout device is obtained and applied, maintaining energy control (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(4)).
- 23
Under NFPA 70E, what personal protective equipment is required during lockout/tagout verification?
Appropriate arc flash and shock protection based on the risk assessment, such as insulated gloves and clothing (NFPA 70E, Article 130).
- 24
What steps are involved in the release from lockout/tagout?
Ensure the work area is clear, equipment is safe for re-energization, and all locks or tags are removed by the authorized employees (29 CFR 1910.147(e)).
- 25
When is testing or positioning of equipment allowed during lockout/tagout?
Temporary removal of lockout or tagout devices is permitted for testing, but only after normal procedures are followed for re-energization and then reapplication (29 CFR 1910.147(f)(1)).
- 26
What training must affected employees receive for lockout/tagout?
Training on the purpose and use of the energy control procedure, and recognition of hazardous energy (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(ii)).
- 27
Under 29 CFR 1910.147, what constitutes a hazardous energy source?
Any source of energy, including potential or residual energy, that could cause injury if not controlled (29 CFR 1910.147(b)).
- 28
What must be done if energy isolating devices are not lockable?
Additional means must be used to ensure the effectiveness of the lockout, such as guard devices or blocking (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(3)).
- 29
In a group setting, how is the lockout/tagout coordinator's role defined?
The coordinator ensures that a lockout or tagout device is installed for each group member and removed only when all work is complete (29 CFR 1910.147(f)(3)(ii)).
- 30
What is the minimum requirement for lockout device attachment?
It must be attached in a manner that holds it in a safe position and prevents removal except by the person who applied it (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)).
- 31
A supervisor discovers a lockout device has been defeated. What action is required?
The supervisor must investigate the incident, retrain employees, and ensure the energy control procedure is enforced (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)).
- 32
Under NFPA 70E, how is an electrically safe work condition achieved?
By interrupting the electrical supply, opening disconnects, and verifying the absence of voltage through testing (NFPA 70E, Article 120).
- 33
What periodic retraining is required for lockout/tagout procedures?
Retraining must occur whenever there is a change in job assignments, machines, or when an inspection reveals deficiencies (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(iii)).
- 34
When applying tagout, what additional safeguards are needed?
The tagout must be used in conjunction with additional safety measures to provide protection equivalent to lockout (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(3)(i)).
- 35
What must be verified after isolating energy sources in lockout/tagout?
That the isolation and de-energization have been accomplished by attempting to operate the equipment (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(6)).
- 36
Under 29 CFR 1910.147, can tagout devices be bypassed or ignored?
No, they must be treated as a positive restraint and not bypassed or ignored (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(3)(ii)).
- 37
In an electrical maintenance scenario, what is the sequence for energy isolation?
First, shut down the equipment, then isolate the energy source, and apply lockout or tagout devices (29 CFR 1910.147(d)).
- 38
What records must be kept for lockout/tagout inspections?
Certification records of periodic inspections, including the date, employees covered, and the inspector's identity (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(ii)).
- 39
How should employees be protected from stored energy during lockout/tagout?
By completely dissipating, restraining, or otherwise rendering stored energy safe before equipment is locked out (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(5)).
- 40
Under NFPA 70E, what risk assessment is needed before lockout/tagout?
An assessment to identify all potential electrical hazards and determine the appropriate safe work practices (NFPA 70E, Article 110).
- 41
What happens if an employee violates lockout/tagout procedures?
The employer must enforce corrective actions, including retraining, to prevent future violations (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)).
- 42
When is a lockout/tagout procedure not required?
For minor servicing activities that are routine, repetitive, and integral to the use of equipment, if other controls provide effective protection (29 CFR 1910.147(a)(2)(iii)).
- 43
What must be on a tagout device to make it effective?
The tag must warn against hazardous conditions, such as 'Do Not Start' or 'Do Not Energize', and include the date and the employee's name (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(3)).
- 44
In a multi-employer worksite, who is responsible for lockout/tagout?
The employer of the employees performing the servicing must ensure the energy control program is in place (29 CFR 1910.147(b)).
- 45
What verification method is used for de-energized electrical equipment?
Testing with a properly rated voltage detector to confirm zero energy state (NFPA 70E, Article 120).
- 46
Under 29 CFR 1910.147, how long must energy control procedures be retained?
As long as the procedure is in use, and inspection records must be maintained for review (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)).
- 47
What training elements are required for authorized employees?
Recognition of hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of energy, and the means to control it (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i)).
- 48
A worker is assigned to a new machine requiring lockout/tagout. What must occur?
The worker must receive training on the specific energy control procedures for that machine (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)).
- 49
How are lockout devices identified?
They must be uniquely identified as lockout devices and not used for other purposes (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)).
- 50
Under NFPA 70E, what follows voltage verification in lockout/tagout?
The equipment can be considered safe for work, but only after all energy sources are isolated (NFPA 70E, Article 120).
- 51
What is the employer's responsibility in developing lockout/tagout programs?
To establish a program that includes energy control procedures, employee training, and periodic inspections (29 CFR 1910.147(c)).
- 52
In a tagout system, how is the equivalent level of safety achieved?
By using additional safety measures that prevent energization, such as administrative controls or barriers (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(3)).
- 53
What must be done before removing a lockout device from deceased or incapacitated employee?
The employer must follow specific procedures to ensure safety, including verification by another authorized employee (29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)).
- 54
Under 29 CFR 1910.147, what constitutes full employee protection?
Complete control of hazardous energy to prevent unexpected startup or release of stored energy (29 CFR 1910.147(a)(1)).
- 55
How often should lockout/tagout devices be inspected for effectiveness?
As part of the annual energy control procedure review to ensure they are in proper working condition (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)).
- 56
What is the key difference between lockout and tagout in electrical procedures?
Lockout uses a device that physically prevents energization, while tagout uses a prominent warning device without physical restraint (NFPA 70E, Article 120).
- 57
When transferring lockout/tagout responsibilities, what must be ensured?
The incoming employee must apply their own device before the outgoing employee removes theirs (29 CFR 1910.147(f)(4)).
- 58
Under NFPA 70E, what documentation supports lockout/tagout training?
Records of training must be maintained to verify employee competency (NFPA 70E, Article 110).