Jim nailed it when he stated that there is a difference in a lockout for mechanical service and one for electrical service. The testing step (120.2(F)(2)(f) spcifically states requires a "test before touching every exposed conductor or circuit part..." . If an operator is not "touching" an exposed conductor, then is the test required? But when changing a fuse, unless he is using the proper tool, he is likely to touch the conductor so the testing would be required.
Don - I too have seen the fingers of a switch weld in giving the illusion of de-energized. That's why my requirement is for a visual verification or electrical testing. Be it a 480V disconnect switch or a 4160V starter, visual verification of the fingers releasing from the stabs is requirement for me.
I don't want people to think I work in an unsafe manner. In the plant where I work, we often have more stringent requirements than the code. I agree with much of the opinion cited about safe actions. My concern here is that opinion is sometimes cited as the rule. I agree we want to be the safest we can. But if we start saying things like you must wear PPE for any switching operation on any interaction, then that rule would include switching a 120V light switch and that's just silly. Establish what the base rules are and then cite opinion about what is safest.