Which action is prohibited during lockout/tagout near energized lines?

• A. Never touch lines.
• B. Engage in conversations.
• C. Break into song.
• D. Inspect the tires.

Answer: (A)

Lockout/tagout around energized lines focuses on preventing any path for current to reach you. The most important prohibition here is not to touch the lines themselves. Contact with live conductors can deliver a severe electric shock or ignite an arc flash, even if the equipment has been locked out. The whole purpose of LOTO is to ensure the system is de-energized and remains off while work is done, and touching live lines defeats that protection.

The other options don’t address the primary hazard addressed by LOTO. Engaging in conversations, breaking into song, or inspecting tires aren’t specific actions that would inherently bypass the lockout protections, though distractions should still be avoided to maintain safety.