According to NFPA 70E Sections 120.5(A)(4) and (5), two forms of hazardous electrical energy control are permitted:

• The simple lockout/tagout procedure, OR
• The complex lockout/tagout procedure

For the simple lockout/tagout procedure, a written lockout/tagout plan is not required and there is never more than one source of electrical energy. The qualified person performing the work is in charge and is responsible for their own lockout/tagout.

A complex lockout/tagout procedure usually involves more than one source of energy and often involves more than one single disconnecting means. For the complex lockout/tagout procedure, the person in charge shall have responsibility of the overall project and a written plan prepared before each lockout/tagout application.

Simple Lockout/Tagout Procedure

The "simple lockout/tagout procedure" is a streamlined version of the standard lockout/tagout practices tailored for situations where the lockout is straightforward, involving a single energy source and only one qualified person who is responsible for performing the work. This simplified procedure is often applied in environments where the complexity and risk are lower. Below is a detailed explanation of its key components:

No Written Plan Required

For simple lockout/tagout procedures, a formal written plan is not mandatory. This exemption is due to the simplicity of the tasks involved—typically, there is only one clearly identifiable source of energy, and the steps to control it are straightforward and routine. The absence of a written plan streamlines the process but still demands a clear understanding of all safety requirements.

Single Source of Electrical Energy

The defining characteristic of a simple lockout/tagout procedure is that there is never more than one source of electrical energy. This simplicity reduces the potential for confusion or errors that could occur with multiple energy sources. It means the qualified person only needs to isolate and secure one specific energy point to ensure safety.

Qualified Person in Charge

In a simple lockout/tagout scenario, the qualified person—who is trained and knowledgeable about the equipment and energy control—is entirely responsible for implementing the lockout/tagout. This person must:

• Identify the energy source.
• Properly shut down the equipment.
• Apply the lockout device to the energy isolating device (such as a circuit breaker or disconnect switch).
• Verify that the equipment is de-energized and safe to work on.

Responsibility for Lockout/Tagout

The responsibility of the lockout/tagout lies solely with the qualified person conducting the work. This individual must ensure that the energy source is effectively isolated and that the lockout devices are correctly applied. The responsibility also includes maintaining control over the lockout devices. For instance, this person would typically carry the keys to the padlocks used in the lockout, ensuring that no one else can remove the locks and accidentally re-energize the system.

Importance of Compliance

Even though the simple lockout/tagout procedure is less complex, compliance with safety standards is still critical. The qualified person must be vigilant in following all applicable safety guidelines to prevent accidents. This includes ongoing training and familiarity with the specific types of equipment they are working on.

Safety Verification

After applying lockout devices, the qualified person must verify that the equipment is indeed de-energized. This verification typically involves testing the equipment to ensure no energy is present. This step is crucial for confirming the effectiveness of the lockout.

The simplicity of this procedure allows for quick and efficient safety management when dealing with less complicated systems, but it still upholds the core principles of lockout/tagout to protect workers from electrical hazards

Below is a sample of NFPA 70E. For the complete section, see the actual NFPA 70E text at NFPA.ORG. Once there, click on the free access link to NFPA 70E.

120.5(A)(4) Simple Lockout/Tagout Procedure. All lockout/tagout procedures that involve only a qualified person(s) deenergizing one set of conductors or circuit part source for the sole purpose of safeguarding employees from exposure to electrical hazards shall be considered to be a simple lockout/ tagout. Simple lockout/tagout procedures shall not be required to be written for each application. Each worker shall be responsible for his or her own lockout/tagout.

Exception: Lockout/tagout is not required for work on cord- and plug connected equipment for which exposure to the hazards of unexpected energization of the equipment is controlled by the unplugging of the equipment from the energy source, provided that the plug is under the exclusive control of the employee performing the servicing and maintenance for the duration of the work.