710 Energy Control Program (Lockout/Tagout)

Module 2: Energy Control Program Components

2.1 Management's Obligation

Although there is no requirement to develop a written LOTO Program, you do have the obligation to
develop, document, and make sure employees use specific written LOTO procedures for authorized
employees to control potentially hazardous energy when they perform servicing or maintenance. Well-
written energy control procedures accurately instruct authorized employees to do all of the following:

• Inform all affected employees of equipment shutdown.


• Shut down equipment in the proper order.


• Identify and engage energy-isolating devices or block hazardous energy.


• Lockout or tagout the energy-isolating devices.


• Remove, drain, neutralize, or block any potential (stored) energy.


• Verify the equipment is isolated from hazardous energy and rendered inoperative.

Best Practice: It is considered a best practice to have a written program, or policy, to support the
energy control program, in addition to clearly outlining expectations and accountability.

1. All the following are methods used during lockout/tagout procedures to protect
   employees, EXCEPT _____.

a. Obtain approval from the safety department to begin LOTO

b. Dissipate or restrain potential energy that can't be isolated

c. Keep employees clear of energy sources during servicing

d. Verify equipment isolation

2.2 Exception to Written LOTO Procedures

You must develop and use a written LOTO procedure for servicing or maintenance on a machine or
equipment unless ALL the following eight criteria are satisfied:

• The machine or equipment has no potential for stored or residual energy or reaccumulation of
  stored energy after shut-down which could endanger employees.