A lockout can be removed by ___.

A lockout is a safety procedure used to ensure that machinery or equipment is shut off and not started up again before maintenance or repair work is completed. The primary principle behind the lockout/tagout (LOTO) standard is to ensure that the person who places the lock on the equipment is the only one who can remove it. This is critical because the individual who applied the lock is fully aware of their own work and the potential hazards present.

Removing a lockout by anyone other than the individual who applied it could create risks, as others may not be aware of the specific conditions that necessitated the lock in the first place. The training and awareness that come with applying a lockout ensure a safer working environment, making sure that no unexpected equipment startup occurs while maintenance is being performed.

This emphasis on accountability and safety is why the correct answer asserts that only the person who applied the lockout can remove it.