AVO Substation Maintenance Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

The first step in the lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure is to identify the energy sources and all equipment involved. This step is crucial because it ensures that the maintenance team fully understands the potential hazards associated with the equipment they are about to work on. By identifying the various energy sources—such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic—the workers can take the appropriate measures to control these energies before beginning any maintenance tasks.

Identifying the energy sources leads to a comprehensive understanding of which systems need to be locked out and tagged out, thus preventing accidental energization or release of hazardous energy during maintenance. This step serves as a foundation for the entire LOTO process and ensures that subsequent actions, such as issuing notifications or preparing for inspections, are done with the right safety measures in place. It is essential for maintaining an effective safety culture and protecting workers from potential injuries or accidents while performing maintenance on machinery or equipment.