While performing a tag-out audit what must you verify?

• A. The tags are legible
• B. All tags were placed yesterday
• C. Conditions are correct as prescribed on the Tags
• D. The tag colors match the system

Answer: (C)

The main point of a tag-out audit is to confirm that the conditions described on the safety tags truly reflect the actual isolation state of the equipment and the control measures in place. In other words, you’re checking that the tags’ stated conditions (such as “Do Not Operate,” energy sources isolated, and the specific isolation points and approvals) match how the system is currently configured and protected. This ensures the equipment remains safely isolated and that workers are protected from unexpected energization.

Legibility of tags matters for visibility, but it doesn’t guarantee that the right energy sources are isolated or that the tags reflect the correct status. Tags placed yesterday don’t confirm the present state, and color matching isn’t the essential verification requirement for safety. The critical goal is that the conditions on the tags align with the actual safeguards in place and the procedure followed.