What instrument should be used to verify de-energization during lockout/tagout?

• A. Tape measure.
• B. Stopwatch.
• C. Temperature gauge.
• D. Appropriate meters.

Answer: (D)

Verifying de-energization during lockout/tagout relies on using the right instrument to confirm that all energy sources are isolated and cannot re-energize the equipment. Appropriate meters are designed to measure the presence or absence of energy for the specific source you’re dealing with—electrical circuits, hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, or other stored energy. They must be properly rated for that energy type and functioning correctly, which includes testing the meter on a known live source to verify it reads accurately before checking the device in question. Tape measures, stopwatches, and temperature gauges don’t provide a valid check of energy status and can’t guarantee that the equipment is safe to work on. Using the correct meters ensures you truly verify that energy is gone and helps prevent accidental re-energization or unnoticed stored-energy hazards.