Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are a fundamental safety requirement emphasized throughout NETA Level 2 objectives and OSHA 1910.147. Lockout is always the preferred method because it provides a physical restraintpreventing unexpected energization. However, OSHA permitstagout aloneonly under very limited circumstances. One such circumstance is when theenergy-isolating device is not capable of being locked, such as older disconnects or valves without lock provisions.
In these cases, tagout must be supplemented withadditional protective measuresto provide an equivalent level of safety. These measures may include removal of an isolating circuit element, blocking of a control switch, opening of an extra disconnecting device, or removal of fuses. Simply tagging equipment without addressing the lack of physical restraint is not acceptable.
NETA Level 2 technicians must understand that tagout doesnotprovide the same level of protection as lockout. Tags are warnings only and do not physically prevent operation. Therefore, tagout alone is never permitted merely for convenience, voltage level, or supervisory permission. The inability to lock the device is the critical condition that allows tagout to be used, and even then, only with additional safeguards in place.