Which sequence correctly represents the nine steps of lockout-tagout as described?

• A. Identify energy source, notify people, shut down equipment, isolate equipment, put locks and tags on, release stored energy, try and turn on machine, do maintenance, undo
• B. Notify people, identify energy source, shut down equipment, isolate equipment, put locks and tags on, release stored energy, try and turn on machine, do maintenance, undo
• C. Identify energy source, notify people, shut down equipment, isolate equipment, undo, put locks and tags on, release stored energy, try and turn on machine, do maintenance
• D. Identify energy source, shut down equipment, notify people, isolate equipment, put locks and tags on, release stored energy, try and turn on machine, do maintenance, undo

Answer: (A)

Lockout-tagout is about preventing unexpected energization and movement of equipment so workers can perform maintenance safely. The sequence starts by identifying all energy sources and informing affected workers. Then you shut down the equipment to bring it to a safe state, followed by isolating those energy sources so there’s no path for energy to re-energize the machine. After isolation, you apply lockout and tagout devices to physically prevent anyone from re-energizing the system. Even after disconnecting power, stored energy in springs, capacitors, or compressed fluids can still pose a hazard, so releasing that stored energy is essential. A verification step—often framed as attempting to start the machine to confirm it won’t energize—ensures the lockout is effective. With the energy safely isolated and verified, you perform the maintenance, and only after the work is complete and the area is checked do you remove the lockout/tagout devices and re-energize the equipment.