If you find a 'Do Not Operate' safety tag, what should you do?

• A. Ignore it if you are in a hurry.
• B. Contact the control room immediately.
• C. Attempt to operate around it.
• D. Remove the tag and continue.

Answer: (B)

A Do Not Operate safety tag means the equipment has been isolated and must not be started until a qualified person verifies it is safe. The right action is to notify and coordinate with the control room immediately so they can confirm status, remove the tag only when proper checks are complete, and authorize safe re-energization if applicable. This prevents unexpected startup and the release of stored energy that could injure you or others.

Ignoring the tag, trying to operate around it, or removing it yourself bypasses critical safety controls and can lead to serious harm or equipment damage. The control room or designated authority owns the clearance process and will ensure all hazards are addressed before the equipment is safe to use again.