Which term describes the process of disabling equipment to prevent energization during rescue operations?

Which term describes the process of disabling equipment to prevent energization during rescue operations?

• A. Electric disconnection
• B. Grounding
• C. Lock out / tag out
• D. De-energization

Answer: (C)

Isolating energy sources with a lock and a tag ensures the equipment cannot be energized while rescue operations are underway. This lockout/tagout approach provides a physical barrier (the lock on the energy-disconnecting device) and a warning that identifies who is responsible and why the device is secured. It prevents accidental or intentional re-energizing, which keeps rescuers safe as they work. Grounding helps protect against shock by equalizing electrical potential, but it doesn’t stop a machine from being started again. De-energization is only the act of removing power, and without the formal lockout/tagout process, the equipment could be re-energized. A simple disconnection can be bypassed or overridden, whereas lockout/tagout establishes a verified, enforceable protection for the duration of the operation.

Isolating energy sources with a lock and a tag ensures the equipment cannot be energized while rescue operations are underway. This lockout/tagout approach provides a physical barrier (the lock on the energy-disconnecting device) and a warning that identifies who is responsible and why the device is secured. It prevents accidental or intentional re-energizing, which keeps rescuers safe as they work. Grounding helps protect against shock by equalizing electrical potential, but it doesn’t stop a machine from being started again. De-energization is only the act of removing power, and without the formal lockout/tagout process, the equipment could be re-energized. A simple disconnection can be bypassed or overridden, whereas lockout/tagout establishes a verified, enforceable protection for the duration of the operation.