ABSTRACT
The terms hazardous energy and lockout/tagout (LO/TO) are used interchangeably in this chapter. LO/TO may be employed for work on machines or work on the electrical equipment proper. Electrical work is defined herein as work performed near or on electrical power systems (bus, branch, distribution network) employed to prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect electrical contacts, when work is performed near or on equipment or circuits that are or may be energized. When equipment is not locked out, performing work on that machine or piece of equipment would be considered live work; however, when LO/TO has isolated the energy source, the work can be done in a non-live-work situation. The lockout or tagout devices either isolate energy sources or otherwise disable machines and equipment to prevent unexpected energization, start up, or release of stored energy.
