Which system is mandated for safety when working on de-energized circuits?

The lock-out tag-out system is mandated for safety when working on de-energized circuits because it establishes a critical protocol to ensure that machinery or equipment is properly shut off and secured before maintenance or servicing occurs. This system involves using locks and tags to physically isolate energy sources, preventing accidental re-energization while workers are performing tasks on the deferred equipment.

The use of locks ensures that only authorized personnel can access the equipment, while tags communicate clear instructions about the status of the equipment, including warnings to others not to operate it while maintenance is ongoing. This strategy significantly reduces the risk of accidental injury or electrocution, which could happen if a circuit is inadvertently energized while someone is working on it.

While a safety lock-out system could refer to similar practices, the specific terminology “lock-out tag-out” emphasizes both the physical locking and the use of tags, which together create a comprehensive safety strategy. The emergency shut-off system is not specifically for de-energization purposes but rather for immediate action in case of an emergency. A live wire monitoring system, while useful in certain instances, does not address the necessary procedures for securing and ensuring the safety of de-energized circuits.