During electrical work, a lockout/tagout procedure is being implemented. Who is authorized to remove a lockout device?
Correct Answer
C) The person who applied the lockout device
Only the person who applied a lockout device may remove it. This ensures that the worker who is protected by the lockout maintains control over their own safety throughout the procedure.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
OSHA's lockout/tagout (LOTO) standard 29 CFR 1910.147 specifically requires that only the authorized employee who applied a lockout or tagout device may remove it. This fundamental safety principle ensures personal accountability and prevents unauthorized removal that could endanger workers. The rule protects the individual worker by giving them exclusive control over their own safety devices. This prevents situations where someone else might mistakenly remove a lockout device while the original worker is still in danger.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: The safety officer
Safety officers may oversee and enforce LOTO procedures, but they cannot remove lockout devices applied by individual workers. Their role is to ensure compliance with procedures, not to override the personal control aspect of worker safety.
Option B: The supervisor who authorized the work
While supervisors may authorize the work and oversee LOTO procedures, they cannot remove lockout devices applied by other workers. This would violate OSHA standards and compromise worker safety by removing personal control from the protected employee.
Option D: Any qualified electrician
Even qualified electricians cannot remove lockout devices applied by others. Electrical qualification does not override the personal accountability requirement of LOTO procedures - only the person who applied the device understands their specific work status and safety needs.
Memory Technique
Think 'My Lock, My Key, My Life' - only the person who applied the lockout device has the authority to remove it because it's protecting their own safety.
Reference Hint
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 - The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) standard, specifically section 1910.147(e)(3)
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