Which action is prohibited during a lockout/tagout situation?

During a lockout/tagout situation, attempting to operate equipment that is under lockout is prohibited because it poses a significant safety risk. Lockout/tagout procedures are designed specifically to ensure that machinery and equipment cannot be started or energised while maintenance or servicing is being performed. This is crucial to protect employees from unintentional energization, moving parts, or the release of stored energy that can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

The primary goal of lockout/tagout practices is to establish clear protocols that prevent accidents during maintenance activities. Therefore, any action that compromises the integrity of the lockout—like attempting to operate the equipment—violates these safety protocols.

In contrast, using protective gear, conducting inspections, and reporting issues to a supervisor are all essential activities that can occur safely during a lockout/tagout procedure, provided that they do not interfere with the lockout itself or jeopardize worker safety. These practices contribute to maintaining a safe work environment and ensuring that all safety protocols are adhered to.