What is verified after isolating equipment during Lockout/Tagout to ensure safety?

• A. Identify energy sources.
• B. Release the lockout.
• C. Apply lockout/tagout devices.
• D. Zero energy state is verified.

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is making sure the equipment is truly safe to work on by eliminating all energy before maintenance begins. After you identify all energy sources, isolate them and apply lockout or tagout devices to prevent any energy release. The critical verification step is confirming a zero energy state. This means checking that there is no electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, or stored energy left that could move or re-energize the equipment. Practically, you verify this by attempting to operate controls in a manner consistent with normal startup (to ensure nothing can start) and by using appropriate testing methods to confirm there is no residual energy. Only after this confirmation should work proceed, and devices should be removed only once maintenance is finished and the area is safe.