An energy isolating device will be considered capable of being locked out if:
A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy. Examples include an electrically operated circuit breaker, an electrical disconnect, a process block valve, a line blank in a flange, or removal of a spool piece/pipe section, etc.
Energy potential in pipelines, such as pump pressure or hydrostatic heads on process material lines, must have blind flanges or pancakes installed and/or the lines are to be disconnected. This applies to inlet and outlet lines that are connected to blowers, pumps, etc., that are being locked out.
Some types of equipment or systems will have more than one type of energy release potential. A system, such as a refrigeration system or drying system, may include a number of pieces of equipment which may be difficult to separately isolate. Great care must be taken, each and every time lockout/tagout is used, to ensure that all energy sources are effectively deenergized or isolated.