What is the safe procedure for leaving unattended electrically powered equipment in terms of controls and brakes?

What is the safe procedure for leaving unattended electrically powered equipment in terms of controls and brakes?

• A. Master switch off, controls neutral, brakes set
• B. Master switch on, controls neutral, brakes released
• C. Remove battery and leave door open
• D. Disable alarms only

Answer: (A)

The safe way to leave electrically powered equipment unattended is to remove energy and prevent any motion. Turning off the master switch cuts the electrical supply, ensuring the machine cannot be energized. Placing the controls in neutral removes any active command to move the equipment, so even if power were restored or a control is briefly actuated, there’s no movement. Engaging the brakes physically immobilizes the machine, preventing it from rolling or shifting on its own. Other options don’t achieve all three safeguards. Merely removing a battery and leaving a door open still leaves potential energy sources and does not guarantee the equipment is isolated or immobilized. Disabling alarms alone does not stop energy or movement, so the machine could still start or move unexpectedly.

The safe way to leave electrically powered equipment unattended is to remove energy and prevent any motion. Turning off the master switch cuts the electrical supply, ensuring the machine cannot be energized. Placing the controls in neutral removes any active command to move the equipment, so even if power were restored or a control is briefly actuated, there’s no movement. Engaging the brakes physically immobilizes the machine, preventing it from rolling or shifting on its own.

Other options don’t achieve all three safeguards. Merely removing a battery and leaving a door open still leaves potential energy sources and does not guarantee the equipment is isolated or immobilized. Disabling alarms alone does not stop energy or movement, so the machine could still start or move unexpectedly.