Confined Spaces and Lockout/Tagout practice questions for the CSP exam

CSP11 Domain 1: Advanced Application of Safety Principles (1.3 Confined spaces, lockout/tagout). 3 free questions below. Every answer quotes and links the regulation paragraph it rests on.

Regulations covered

Text pulled from the eCFR, current as of 2026-10-14.

Question 1

A maintenance crew is assigned to clear a jam from a conveyor. The main disconnect on the conveyor is a type that has a hasp and can accept a padlock. The supervisor proposes using only a tag on the disconnect because it is faster. Under the standard, what must the employer's energy control program do?

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Answer: A. Utilize lockout, unless the employer can demonstrate that a tagout system will provide full employee protection

When an energy isolating device can be locked out, the program must use lockout unless the employer can demonstrate that tagout provides full employee protection. Supervisor approval or short duration does not satisfy that requirement.

“If an energy isolating device is capable of being locked out, the employer's energy control program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall utilize lockout, unless the employer can demonstrate that the utilization of a tagout system will provide full employee protection as set forth in paragraph (c)(3) of this section.”
Question 2

During a periodic inspection of a conveyor line's lockout/tagout procedure, the inspector observes that a maintenance mechanic skipped a required step when isolating the equipment. The employee's training records are current and were completed six months ago. What does the standard require the employer to do?

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Answer: A. Conduct additional retraining, because the inspection revealed deviations in the employee's use of the energy control procedures

The standard requires additional retraining whenever a periodic inspection reveals deviations from or inadequacies in an employee's use of the energy control procedures, regardless of how recent the earlier training was. Current certification does not excuse the deviation, and lockout/tagout may be performed only by authorized employees, so reassigning it to an affected employee is not an option.

“Additional retraining shall also be conducted whenever a periodic inspection under paragraph (c)(6) of this section reveals, or whenever the employer has reason to believe, that there are deviations from or inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of the energy control procedures.”
Question 3

A crew is preparing to enter a process vessel for cleaning. The agitator motor has been locked out, and a blind has been installed in the corrosive feed line. A second line carrying a toxic solvent is still connected to the vessel and is controlled only by one closed valve. The supervisor wants the vessel to be completely protected against the release of energy and material into the space before entry. Which action is needed to finish isolating the vessel?

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Answer: A. Place a double block and bleed system on the solvent line, or blank or blind it

The standard describes isolation as complete protection against release of energy and material, achieved by means such as blanking or blinding or a double block and bleed system. A single closed valve does not meet this, so the solvent line still needs one of those measures. Ventilation, an attendant, and monitoring only react to or dilute a release and do not prevent it.

“Isolation means the process by which a permit space is removed from service and completely protected against the release of energy and material into the space by such means as: blanking or blinding; misaligning or removing sections of lines, pipes, or ducts; a double block and bleed system; lockout or tagout of all sources of energy; or blocking or disconnecting all mechanical linkages.”
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