What safety practice requires you to disconnect power and verify zero energy before work?

• A. Grounding
• B. Lockout/Tagout
• C. Safe work permit
• D. Personal protective equipment

Answer: (B)

Lockout/Tagout is the safe practice that ensures equipment is completely isolated from all energy sources and cannot be energized while work is being done. The process involves identifying every energy source feeding the equipment, disconnecting or isolating those sources, and applying a lock (or a tag) to the energy‑isolating devices so no one can re-energize the equipment. After isolation, the energy is verified as zero—through testing to confirm there is no stored or residual energy—before anyone begins work. This combination of physically preventing re-energization and confirming zero energy keeps workers safe from unexpected startup or energy releases.

Grounding is about safely draining or stabilizing charge, not guaranteeing that the equipment remains off during maintenance. A safe work permit authorizes the job but does not itself perform the energy isolation. Personal protective equipment provides protection but does not stop the equipment from being powered.