The lockout/tagout procedure must provide guidelines on how to properly lockout/tagout the 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.

(11) Lockout/Tagout Application. The procedure shall clearly identify when and where lockout applies, in addition to when and where tagout applies, and shall address the following:

(1) Lockout shall be defined as installing a lockout device on all sources of hazardous energy such that operation of the disconnecting means is prohibited, and forcible removal of the lock is required to operate the disconnecting means.

(2) Tagout shall be defined as installing a tagout device on all sources of hazardous energy, such that operation of the disconnecting means is prohibited. The tagout device shall be installed in the same position available for the lockout device.

(3) Where it is not possible to attach a lock to existing disconnecting means, the disconnecting means shall not be used as the only means to put the circuit in an electrically safe work condition.

(4) The use of tagout procedures without a lock shall be permitted only in cases where equipment design precludes the installation of a lock on an energy isolation device(s). When tagout is employed, at least one additional safety measure shall be employed. In such cases, the procedure shall clearly establish responsibilities and accountability for each person who might be exposed to electrical hazards.

Informational Note: Examples of additional safety measures include the removal of an isolating circuit element such as fuses, blocking of the controlling switch, or opening an extra disconnecting device to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent energization.