Who is allowed to remove the tag or lock placed on equipment, aside from the authorized person?

• A. Any qualified equipment operator
• B. Maintenance supervisor
• C. Safety officer
• D. Plant manager

Answer: (A)

Lockout and tagout devices exist to prevent the machine from being energized while work is done, so removal should be done only by someone who is trained and authorized to handle the energy controls. A qualified equipment operator is equipped with the practical understanding of the equipment’s energy sources and the steps needed to bring the system back to a safe, energized state. When the authorized person who placed the lock or tag is not available, a trained operator can confirm that all tools are removed, guards are in place, and the work is complete, then remove the device and re-energize safely. This keeps the control of energy restoration in the hands of someone who knows how to verify the system is safe.