What type of control is described when an employee locks out a circuit before performing maintenance?

Locking out a circuit before performing maintenance is an example of an administrative control. Administrative controls are procedures put in place to promote safety by altering the way in which work is conducted. This includes practices such as lockout/tagout procedures, which are designed to ensure that machines or energy sources are properly shut off and unable to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing.

By using lockout procedures, workers reduce the risk of accidental machine startup or release of hazardous energy, thereby protecting themselves and others in the vicinity during maintenance activities. Lockout/tagout fits into the framework of administrative controls as it relies on specific protocols and worker compliance rather than changes to the physical equipment (as with engineering controls) or the use of protective gear (as with personal protective equipment).