What is the primary purpose of Lockout/Tagout before servicing electrical equipment?

What is the primary purpose of Lockout/Tagout before servicing electrical equipment?

• A. It ensures faster startup after maintenance
• B. It reduces energy consumption
• C. It prevents unexpected energization, reducing risk of shock or startup
• D. It helps identify replacement parts

Answer: (C)

Lockout/Tagout is a safety process that prevents equipment from being energized while it’s being serviced by isolating all energy sources and placing a lock and a warning tag on the energy-isolating devices. The lock physically keeps the switch or valve from being opened, and the tag warns others not to restart the equipment. This ensures there is no unexpected energization, which could cause shock, burns, or startup injuries while someone is working on the machinery. Before work begins, the energy sources are identified, the equipment is shut down, the lockout devices and tags are applied, and the technician verifies the equipment is de-energized. Only after the maintenance is finished are the devices removed and the equipment tested again. This focus on preventing accidental energization is why it’s used. The other options don’t address safety from unexpected energization—they refer to speed, energy use, or part identification, which aren’t the purpose of lockout/tagout.

Lockout/Tagout is a safety process that prevents equipment from being energized while it’s being serviced by isolating all energy sources and placing a lock and a warning tag on the energy-isolating devices. The lock physically keeps the switch or valve from being opened, and the tag warns others not to restart the equipment. This ensures there is no unexpected energization, which could cause shock, burns, or startup injuries while someone is working on the machinery. Before work begins, the energy sources are identified, the equipment is shut down, the lockout devices and tags are applied, and the technician verifies the equipment is de-energized. Only after the maintenance is finished are the devices removed and the equipment tested again. This focus on preventing accidental energization is why it’s used. The other options don’t address safety from unexpected energization—they refer to speed, energy use, or part identification, which aren’t the purpose of lockout/tagout.