A switch that requires excessive force to operate must not be lined. What action must you take to prevent other employees from attempting to line it?

• A. Place an out of service or bad order tag directly to the switch lock, keeper / hook.
• B. Replace the switch before tagging.
• C. Leave as-is and inform supervisor.
• D. Lock the switch and proceed.

Answer: (A)

When a switch is hard to operate, it’s unsafe to line and must be made out of service to prevent use. The proper action is to attach an out-of-service or bad-order tag directly to the switch’s lock, keeper, or hook. This creates a visible warning and, with the lock in place, physically prevents others from attempting to line the switch until maintenance repairs it. Simply leaving it as-is or informally advising someone, or proceeding after locking, does not reliably stop others from attempting to operate it. Tagging the locking device ensures clear communication and a formal stop-work signal until the switch can be repaired or replaced.