Final answer:
During a lockout/tagout, affected employees must respect lockout/tagout devices, communicate effectively with authorized personnel, and receive proper training to understand and comply with safety protocols, including recognizing the importance of these devices and prohibited actions. They also need to report any related issues or concerns promptly.
Step-by-step explanation:
An affected employee's responsibilities during a lockout/tagout procedure are critical to ensure safety in the workplace. It involves understanding and complying with the safety protocols designed to control hazardous energies during service or maintenance activities. Affected employees are typically the machine operators or workers who use the equipment that is being locked or tagged out. They must respect the lockout/tagout devices and not attempt to restart or use equipment that has been locked out or tagged out. They should receive proper training to recognize the importance of these devices and the prohibited actions during a lockout/tagout.
The affected employee also has the responsibility to communicate effectively with the authorized person who applied the lockout/tagout devices to ensure a clear understanding of why the lockout/tagout is being implemented. They should have knowledge of, and access to, the established lockout/tagout procedure, which includes the rules and regulations provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), essential for maintaining a safe workplace. It is essential for affected employees to also report any issues or concerns related to the lockout/tagout process or equipment to their supervisors promptly.