What is the second step in the sequence of actions to temporarily remove lockout tag?

What is the second step in the sequence of actions to temporarily remove lockout tag?

• A. Authorized employees may then proceed to energize and test or position the equipment or machinery
• B. Employees must be removed from the machine area
• C. All lockout tags may then be removed
• D. The machine must be cleared of tools and materials

Answer: (B)

In lockout/tagout, safety hinges on controlling energy and ensuring no one is exposed to startup or energy releases as devices are removed. The second step is to clear the machine area of all personnel. This protects workers from unexpected energization or stored energy that could injure someone when the lockout devices are removed and the equipment is re-energized for testing or repositioning. After the area is clear, the authorized employee can proceed with removing the lockout devices and then reenergizing to perform the necessary checks. Other actions, like energizing the machine for testing or removing tags before ensuring the area is safe, would introduce unnecessary risk and occur later in the sequence.

In lockout/tagout, safety hinges on controlling energy and ensuring no one is exposed to startup or energy releases as devices are removed. The second step is to clear the machine area of all personnel. This protects workers from unexpected energization or stored energy that could injure someone when the lockout devices are removed and the equipment is re-energized for testing or repositioning. After the area is clear, the authorized employee can proceed with removing the lockout devices and then reenergizing to perform the necessary checks. Other actions, like energizing the machine for testing or removing tags before ensuring the area is safe, would introduce unnecessary risk and occur later in the sequence.