Section 120.5/Establishing an Electrically Safe Work Condition
NFPA 70E Section 120.5 defines the six-step lockout/tagout process for de-energizing equipment and verifying absence of voltage.
The process for establishing an electrically safe work condition includes six steps: (1) identify all sources of electrical supply, (2) disconnect the load and then open the disconnecting devices for each source, (3) where possible, visually verify that blades are open or draw-out breakers are in the disconnected position, (4) apply lockout/tagout devices, (5) test each conductor with an adequately rated voltage detector to verify absence of voltage, and (6) where the possibility of induced voltages or stored energy exists, ground all circuit conductors. The voltage test instrument must be verified on a known source before and after each use.
Why this section exists
Electrical fatalities most often occur when workers believe equipment is de-energized but it is not. The six-step process prevents this by requiring systematic identification of all sources (including backfeed from generators, UPS systems, and solar PV), positive disconnection with visual verification, lockout/tagout to prevent re-energization, and testing to confirm zero voltage. Each step addresses a specific failure mode that has caused fatal incidents.
What plan reviewers look for
Plan reviewers check that the electrical design supports the lockout/tagout process. This includes lockable disconnect switches at every equipment location, clear labeling of all energy sources, and access for voltage testing. For equipment with multiple sources (utility plus generator, or utility plus solar), all disconnect locations must be identifiable and accessible.