Who must be notified about the application and removal of lockout or tagout devices?

The correct answer is that authorized employees must be notified about the application and removal of lockout or tagout devices. This process is vital in ensuring workplace safety, particularly in environments where machinery or equipment could pose hazards during maintenance or servicing.

Authorized employees are those who have received specific training and are permitted to implement lockout/tagout procedures. They are responsible for ensuring that energy sources are properly controlled before work begins and that equipment is made safe to work on. By informing these trained individuals about the application and removal of lockout/tagout devices, it ensures that everyone involved is aware of the status of the equipment and can avoid accidental energization or startup.

While all employees may benefit from awareness about such procedures for broader safety culture, it is fundamentally the authorized employees who need to receive this specific notification to carry out their responsibilities effectively and maintain compliance with safety standards. Management and third-party contractors might also need to stay informed depending on the context, but they are not the primary focus regarding the direct application and removal of these devices.