Who should turn off power under lockout/tagout procedures?

• A. An individual qualified employee
• B. Security personnel
• C. Any employee
• D. Untrained intern

Answer: (A)

During lockout/tagout, the power must be turned off and isolation performed only by a qualified (authorized) employee who has been trained to recognize and control hazardous energy. This person is empowered to apply and control the lockout devices and to verify that all energy sources are truly de-energized before work begins. They also manage the sequence for re-energizing once the work is complete, ensuring the equipment cannot be restarted by mistake. Security personnel, untrained staff, or an intern lack the necessary training and authority to perform these safety steps, which is why they should not be the ones turning off power.