Workplace Safety, Lockout/Tagout and Risk Assessment
What the exam tests
This domain tests risk assessment, isolation, lockout/tagout, permits, PPE, and safe work practices. In Morocco, employers commonly apply Code du Travail 65-99 and Decree 2-04-640 on general safety and health; verify the current text and site rules. The exam focuses on controlling energy, not just wearing PPE.
Core rules
- Risk assessment identifies hazards, who is exposed, existing controls, likelihood, severity, and residual risk. Apply the hierarchy: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administrate, then PPE.
- Lockout/tagout means notify affected workers, identify all energy sources, isolate, apply personal locks and tags, release stored energy, and verify zero energy.
- Verification includes trying the start control and measuring at the point of work with an approved tester. A tag alone is not a lock.
- Group lockout needs a lockbox or equivalent so no one can re-energise while any worker is exposed.
- Permits are required for hot work, confined spaces, and other high-risk tasks. An arc-flash or shock risk assessment may require de-energised work or rated PPE.
Worked example
A 400 V pump must be worked on. Isolate the motor starter and the control supply, lock both, release pressure from the casing, block any suspended load, and verify zero voltage at the motor terminals. Try the local start button and confirm no rotation. Only then open the terminal box. If the pump can be started remotely, lock the remote selector and inform the control room.
Traps
Locking the isolator but not the control circuit; relying on a tag without a lock; verifying with a non-contact tester only; forgetting stored pressure or gravity; and removing another worker's lock.