Which device is essential for lockout/tagout procedures?

The device that is essential for lockout/tagout procedures is a hasp. Lockout/tagout procedures are vital safety measures used to ensure that machinery is properly shut off and unable to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work. A hasp allows an individual to securely lock the energy-isolating devices in the off position and adds an additional layer of safety by utilizing locks to prevent accidental re-energization.

The importance of the hasp lies in its ability to hold multiple padlocks, which signifies that several individuals are involved in the lockout process. This way, each worker can apply their own lock to the hasp, ensuring that all personnel are aware of the lockout and that no one can accidentally start the machine while someone is working on it.

Other tools, such as a wrench, screwdriver, or power drill, do not play a direct role in the lockout/tagout procedure itself. While they may be used for maintenance tasks, they do not provide the critical safety mechanism for isolating energy sources necessary to protect workers from unexpected energization or startup of equipment during maintenance. Thus, the hasp is the correct choice because it fulfills an essential function in achieving compliance with safety protocols.