710 Energy Control Program (Lockout/Tagout)

6. What should be done if a worker cannot lockout an energy-isolating device?

a. Place a guard around it

b. Tag it out

c. Post a warning sign

d. Place tape over it

6.7 Lockout, Tagout, or Lockout/Tagout...................................................................................

If you can lock out an energy-isolating device, then you must lock it out before you service the
equipment that it controls. If you can't lock out an energy-isolating device, then you must tag it out.
Remember that you must ensure that the hazardous energy is controlled just as effectively with the
tagout device as it would be with a lockout device.

Full Employee Protection

You must demonstrate the protection achieved using the tagout program is equivalent to the level of
safety obtained by using a lockout program.

So, how do you do it? You must comply with all tagout-related provisions and use additional safety
measures that provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by using lockout.

Examples include:

• removing and isolating a circuit element;


• blocking a controlling switch;


• opening an extra disconnecting device; and


• removing a valve handle to reduce the potential for any inadvertent energization while the tags
  are attached.