Which action should be taken before beginning a lockout procedure?

Before beginning a lockout procedure, isolating all energy sources is critical for ensuring safety. This action involves disconnecting any energy sources that could potentially energize equipment or machinery during maintenance or repair activities. By isolating energy sources, you effectively minimize the risk of accidental startups or unexpected release of stored energy, which could lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

In a safety context, this step is fundamental because it directly protects the personnel involved from being exposed to hazardous energy while they are working. Once the energy sources are isolated, then additional actions such as notifying authorities, conducting a safety review, or determining the list of employees present can follow, but none of these steps can take precedence over the actual isolation of energy. Proper execution of the lockout procedure starts with ensuring that all energy sources are secured. This is the primary reason why isolating energy sources is regarded as the first and foremost action before any lockout procedure can commence safely.