After shutting down equipment, what is the first action an authorized employee should take?

The first action an authorized employee should take after shutting down equipment is to turn off the energy at the main power source. This is crucial because doing so helps ensure that the equipment is completely isolated from any energy sources that could inadvertently activate it while maintenance or servicing is being performed. Turning off the energy source is a fundamental part of the lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, which are designed to protect workers from the unexpected release of hazardous energy while they are working on machines or equipment.

Taking this action before other steps helps prevent accidents that could occur if the equipment were to be restarted or if energy were to be released while someone is working on it. It sets the stage for subsequent safety measures, such as applying lockout devices and ensuring that all affected employees are aware that the equipment is being serviced.

While understanding the hazards associated with the equipment’s energy supply and involving affected employees in the lockout process are vital aspects of the overall safety procedure, they follow the immediate action of turning off the main power. Prioritizing the disconnection of energy ensures that the work environment is safe for all personnel before proceeding with additional safety measures.