Under what circumstance is it acceptable to remove another employee's lockout lock?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of ensuring safety and effective communication in the workplace. Removing another employee's lockout lock is a serious action, as lockout/tagout procedures are critical for ensuring that machinery is properly shut down and cannot be started unexpectedly during maintenance.

If all reasonable attempts to contact the employee who placed the lock have been made, it signifies that there has been due diligence in trying to reach out to that individual to confirm it is safe to proceed. This step ensures that safety protocols are respected and that the person who has the lock in place is aware of the situation.

This policy helps prevent accidents that could occur if machinery were to be operated while someone is still working on it, ultimately prioritizing the safety of all employees in the environment. It is crucial that established procedures are followed, and this option reflects the correct balance between operational needs and safety regulations.

The other options do not prioritize safety effectively. For instance, simply removing a lock because someone is on break or because a machine is malfunctioning can lead to dangerous situations. Additionally, waiting for a shift to end does not consider the immediate safety needs and could result in unnecessary risks.