How should electrically powered mobile equipment be left when unattended?

How should electrically powered mobile equipment be left when unattended?

• A. Master switch in on position; controls neutral and brakes not set
• B. Master switch off; all controls neutral; brakes set; precautions against rolling
• C. Remove power source entirely
• D. Leave as is

Answer: (B)

The safety idea is to ensure the machine cannot move or be energized when it isn’t being supervised. So when you leave electrically powered mobile equipment unattended, switch the master power off, put all controls in neutral, and set the brakes, while taking precautions to prevent rolling. Turning off the master switch removes power to the controls, neutralizing any drive or throttle inputs, and applying the parking brakes physically holds the machine in place. Together, these steps prevent accidental starting or movement and reduce the chance of a rollaway, even if someone bumps the controls or power momentarily returns. Leaving the master switch on with controls not in neutral and brakes not set would leave the machine vulnerable to movement or unexpected operation. Removing the power source entirely isn’t practical in this context since you still need the machine to be safely secured and readily re-energized when you return. Leaving things as they are would also be unsafe because the machine could move or start unexpectedly.

The safety idea is to ensure the machine cannot move or be energized when it isn’t being supervised. So when you leave electrically powered mobile equipment unattended, switch the master power off, put all controls in neutral, and set the brakes, while taking precautions to prevent rolling. Turning off the master switch removes power to the controls, neutralizing any drive or throttle inputs, and applying the parking brakes physically holds the machine in place. Together, these steps prevent accidental starting or movement and reduce the chance of a rollaway, even if someone bumps the controls or power momentarily returns.

Leaving the master switch on with controls not in neutral and brakes not set would leave the machine vulnerable to movement or unexpected operation. Removing the power source entirely isn’t practical in this context since you still need the machine to be safely secured and readily re-energized when you return. Leaving things as they are would also be unsafe because the machine could move or start unexpectedly.