MSHA Hazardous Energy Control Program
Training Certification Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a Hazardous Energy Control
Program?
A. To improve productivity
B. To prevent uncontrolled release of hazardous energy
C. To reduce paperwork
D. To speed up machine operation
B
The primary purpose of a Hazardous Energy Control Program is to
prevent the uncontrolled release of hazardous energy, which can cause
injuries or fatalities during maintenance or repair of equipment.
2. Which of the following is considered a form of hazardous energy?
A. Kinetic energy of moving parts
B. Electrical energy
C. Hydraulic pressure
D. All of the above
D
Hazardous energy can come from various sources including mechanical,
electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or thermal energy. All of the
options listed are recognized sources.
, 3. What is the first step in controlling hazardous energy?
A. Notify affected employees
B. Isolate the energy source
C. Shut down the equipment
D. Apply lockout/tagout devices
C
The first step is to safely shut down the equipment to prevent accidental
release of energy before isolation, lockout, or tagout procedures are
applied.
4. Which type of lockout device is typically used for electrical
energy?
A. Padlock
B. Warning tag
C. Circuit breaker lock
D. Valve lock
C
Circuit breaker locks or similar electrical-specific devices are used to
physically prevent re-energization of electrical circuits, ensuring safety
during maintenance.
5. What does the term "lockout" mean in hazardous energy control?
A. Informing employees of maintenance work
B. Physically securing energy-isolating devices in the “off” position
C. Placing warning signs on equipment
D. Supervising work from a distance
B
Lockout involves physically securing energy-isolating devices, such as
,switches or valves, in a safe “off” position to prevent unexpected
energization.
6. What does “tagout” mean?
A. Attaching a label indicating the equipment is under
maintenance
B. Physically locking a switch
C. Disconnecting a power supply
D. Performing routine inspections
A
Tagout is the practice of attaching a prominent warning tag to indicate
that the equipment is being serviced and should not be operated.
7. Which of the following employees must be trained in
lockout/tagout procedures?
A. Authorized employees
B. Affected employees
C. All employees in the area
D. All of the above
D
All employees who may interact with or be exposed to hazardous energy
must receive appropriate training. Authorized employees perform
lockout/tagout, affected employees are those whose work may be
affected, and all other employees need awareness.
8. Before removing a lockout/tagout device, what must the
authorized employee verify?
A. That all tools are removed and employees are safe
B. That the equipment is operational
, C. That the supervisor is present
D. That a warning sign is posted
A
The authorized employee must ensure that all tools are removed,
guards are in place, and all affected employees are clear before
restoring energy.
9. Which of the following is an example of stored energy?
A. Compressed springs
B. Pressurized hydraulic lines
C. Rotating flywheels
D. All of the above
D
Stored energy can exist in mechanical forms such as springs or
flywheels, or in hydraulic/pneumatic systems. Proper release or restraint
is necessary before servicing equipment.
10. When is it acceptable to remove a lockout/tagout device
without authorization?
A. When the work seems complete
B. Never, except in emergencies following strict procedures
C. When the supervisor says it’s okay
D. At the end of the shift
B
Locks or tags should never be removed without authorization, except in
specific emergency procedures defined by the program, to prevent
accidental energization.
Training Certification Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a Hazardous Energy Control
Program?
A. To improve productivity
B. To prevent uncontrolled release of hazardous energy
C. To reduce paperwork
D. To speed up machine operation
B
The primary purpose of a Hazardous Energy Control Program is to
prevent the uncontrolled release of hazardous energy, which can cause
injuries or fatalities during maintenance or repair of equipment.
2. Which of the following is considered a form of hazardous energy?
A. Kinetic energy of moving parts
B. Electrical energy
C. Hydraulic pressure
D. All of the above
D
Hazardous energy can come from various sources including mechanical,
electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or thermal energy. All of the
options listed are recognized sources.
, 3. What is the first step in controlling hazardous energy?
A. Notify affected employees
B. Isolate the energy source
C. Shut down the equipment
D. Apply lockout/tagout devices
C
The first step is to safely shut down the equipment to prevent accidental
release of energy before isolation, lockout, or tagout procedures are
applied.
4. Which type of lockout device is typically used for electrical
energy?
A. Padlock
B. Warning tag
C. Circuit breaker lock
D. Valve lock
C
Circuit breaker locks or similar electrical-specific devices are used to
physically prevent re-energization of electrical circuits, ensuring safety
during maintenance.
5. What does the term "lockout" mean in hazardous energy control?
A. Informing employees of maintenance work
B. Physically securing energy-isolating devices in the “off” position
C. Placing warning signs on equipment
D. Supervising work from a distance
B
Lockout involves physically securing energy-isolating devices, such as
,switches or valves, in a safe “off” position to prevent unexpected
energization.
6. What does “tagout” mean?
A. Attaching a label indicating the equipment is under
maintenance
B. Physically locking a switch
C. Disconnecting a power supply
D. Performing routine inspections
A
Tagout is the practice of attaching a prominent warning tag to indicate
that the equipment is being serviced and should not be operated.
7. Which of the following employees must be trained in
lockout/tagout procedures?
A. Authorized employees
B. Affected employees
C. All employees in the area
D. All of the above
D
All employees who may interact with or be exposed to hazardous energy
must receive appropriate training. Authorized employees perform
lockout/tagout, affected employees are those whose work may be
affected, and all other employees need awareness.
8. Before removing a lockout/tagout device, what must the
authorized employee verify?
A. That all tools are removed and employees are safe
B. That the equipment is operational
, C. That the supervisor is present
D. That a warning sign is posted
A
The authorized employee must ensure that all tools are removed,
guards are in place, and all affected employees are clear before
restoring energy.
9. Which of the following is an example of stored energy?
A. Compressed springs
B. Pressurized hydraulic lines
C. Rotating flywheels
D. All of the above
D
Stored energy can exist in mechanical forms such as springs or
flywheels, or in hydraulic/pneumatic systems. Proper release or restraint
is necessary before servicing equipment.
10. When is it acceptable to remove a lockout/tagout device
without authorization?
A. When the work seems complete
B. Never, except in emergencies following strict procedures
C. When the supervisor says it’s okay
D. At the end of the shift
B
Locks or tags should never be removed without authorization, except in
specific emergency procedures defined by the program, to prevent
accidental energization.
