The lockout/tagout procedure must provide guidelines on how to properly return the equipment to service after the work has been completed. This includes visual inspections to verify that all tools, mechanical restraints and electrical jumpers, short circuits, and temporary protective grounding equipment has been removed. As well, this includes notifying the employees responsible for operating the equipment when circuits and equipment are ready to be energized so that the employees can provide assistance as necessary to safely energize the circuits and equipment. See below for specific details.

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(B)(13) Release for Return to Service. The procedure shall identify steps to be taken when the job or task requiring lockout/tagout is completed. Before electric circuits or equipment are re-energized, tests and visual inspections shall be conducted to verify that all tools, mechanical restraints and electrical jumpers, short circuits, and temporary protective grounding equipment have been removed, so that the circuits and equipment are in a condition to be safely energized.

When applicable, the employees responsible for operating the machines or process shall be notified when circuits and equipment are ready to be energized, and such employees shall provide assistance as necessary to safely energize the circuits and equipment.

The procedure shall contain a statement requiring the area to be inspected to ensure that nonessential items have been removed. One such step shall ensure that all personnel are clear of exposure to dangerous conditions resulting from re-energizing the service and that blocked mechanical equipment or grounded equipment is cleared and prepared for return to service.