Is it true that only one lock is necessary for any one machine during lockout procedures?

In lockout/tagout procedures, it is essential to ensure that hazardous energy sources are effectively controlled to protect workers during maintenance or repair tasks. The correct answer indicates that it is not sufficient to rely on just one lock for any given machine.

The reason this is true is that multiple workers may be involved in servicing a single machine, and each worker is responsible for their own safety. To ensure comprehensive safety, each worker must affix their own lock to the energy isolation device. This practice prevents any possibility of accidental re-energization while someone is working on the machine, as multiple locks can only be removed by the individual workers who placed them. Hence, having only one lock does not adequately safeguard against this risk.

Utilizing multiple locks supports a more robust safety culture, as it reinforces collaborative responsibility among workers. It not only protects individual workers but also fosters an understanding of the importance of following proper lockout/tagout procedures in a shared working environment.