What should be used to isolate energy sources according to established procedures?

The correct answer is energy isolation devices, which are specifically designed to disconnect or isolate energy sources from equipment and machinery. These devices ensure that all forms of hazardous energy, such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic, are effectively locked out or tagged out, preventing accidental activation during maintenance or servicing.

Utilizing energy isolation devices is critical for worker safety, as they provide a physical barrier that ensures that the equipment cannot be operated while maintenance is being performed. These devices are fundamental components of the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures mandated by OSHA regulations. They include items such as circuit breakers, disconnect switches, valves, and other mechanisms that can be locked or tagged to secure the energy sources.

While personal protective equipment (PPE), shutoff valves, and emergency switches all play important roles in safety and emergency situations, they do not serve the same purpose as energy isolation devices in terms of isolating energy sources during maintenance work. PPE protects workers from hazards after energy has been isolated, shutoff valves can be part of isolation devices but are not comprehensive solutions by themselves, and emergency switches are intended for immediate response and do not specifically handle the lockout/tagout process. Thus, the focus on energy isolation devices aligns perfectly with the requirements