In lockout/tagout procedures, who should hold the key to prevent re-energization?

• A. The person working on the equipment
• B. The supervisor
• C. The safety officer
• D. The plant manager

Answer: (A)

In lockout/tagout, control of the energy is placed in the hands of the person performing the work. The worker who is servicing the equipment applies the lockout device and keeps the key, so the machine cannot be re-energized until that worker is ready to remove their lock. This direct control prevents accidental or unauthorized energizing while maintenance is underway. Supervisors or safety personnel may oversee the process, but they do not hold the key to the lock on the equipment being worked on. If multiple people are involved, each applies their own lock and keeps their own key, and the equipment can only be re-energized after all locks are removed.