What is required under OSHA are “lock-out, tag-out” procedures in which anyone working on a circuit has turned that circuit off, locked it from being re-energized, and tagged it as to who is doing what and where.

In some situations on industrial or construction sites, there may be no established lockout procedures or permit system in operation.

In that case we have to inspect the equipment involved, identify all energy sources, and determine the most effective method of lockout and tagging.

It may be necessary to trace wiring, lines, and piping in and out of the equipment in order to identify energy sources.

It helps to refer to specifications, drawings, operating manuals, and similar information if it’s available.

Once each energy source has been identified and de-energized, you must test the equipment to verify a zero energy state.

One last point... Lockout doesn’t have to involve complicated machines and systems. It can mean putting blocking under the arm of a backhoe while you replace a hydraulic cylinder ...or locking out an electrical panel while you relocate lighting stringers.