What is the preferred method for locking out equipment?

The preferred method for locking out equipment is individual locks and tags. This approach ensures that each worker who is servicing or maintaining the equipment has their own personal lock, which they can control. This method enhances safety by providing a clear and unmistakable indication that the equipment has been locked out for maintenance and that it cannot be operated until all individuals have removed their locks.

Individual locks help prevent accidental re-energization of machinery during maintenance, as each worker must remove their own lock before the equipment can be turned back on. This fosters accountability and ensures that all individuals are aware of the lockout status of the equipment they're working on.

Options such as group locks and tags, electronic locks, and master locks may not provide the same level of individual accountability or may complicate the lockout process, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. For instance, with group locks, there is a chance that someone may not notice that more than one person has locked out the equipment, leading to confusion over who is responsible for removing the locks.