What is the required safety procedure during maintenance or repair on equipment?

What is the required safety procedure during maintenance or repair on equipment?

• A. Power off, lock out and tag out
• B. Lock out only
• C. Tag out only
• D. Power off only

Answer: (A)

Preventing unexpected startup or release of stored energy during maintenance requires a deliberate energy isolation process that both physically blocks re-energizing and clearly communicates the maintenance status. Start by powering the equipment down to remove the immediate energy source. Then apply lockout devices to the energy-isolating means (such as switches, breakers, or valves) so the equipment cannot be re-energized. Attach a tag that identifies who is working, the date/time, and the reason for the lockout, so others know not to operate the equipment. This combination is essential because the lock provides a physical barrier, while the tag conveys the warning and responsibility, including the fact that maintenance is in progress. Remember that equipment can have multiple energy sources and stored energy (springs, capacitors, trapped pressure), so all energy paths must be secured and relieved as needed before work begins. If more than one person is involved, each person places their own lock; only the person who applied a lock should remove it, after confirming the work area is safe. Once the maintenance is complete and the area is clear, remove the lock and tag in the proper sequence and re-energize the equipment cautiously.

Preventing unexpected startup or release of stored energy during maintenance requires a deliberate energy isolation process that both physically blocks re-energizing and clearly communicates the maintenance status. Start by powering the equipment down to remove the immediate energy source. Then apply lockout devices to the energy-isolating means (such as switches, breakers, or valves) so the equipment cannot be re-energized. Attach a tag that identifies who is working, the date/time, and the reason for the lockout, so others know not to operate the equipment. This combination is essential because the lock provides a physical barrier, while the tag conveys the warning and responsibility, including the fact that maintenance is in progress. Remember that equipment can have multiple energy sources and stored energy (springs, capacitors, trapped pressure), so all energy paths must be secured and relieved as needed before work begins. If more than one person is involved, each person places their own lock; only the person who applied a lock should remove it, after confirming the work area is safe. Once the maintenance is complete and the area is clear, remove the lock and tag in the proper sequence and re-energize the equipment cautiously.