What is the primary purpose of lockout/tagout during mechanical maintenance?

What is the primary purpose of lockout/tagout during mechanical maintenance?

• A. To lock out all energy sources to prevent startup.
• B. To coordinate maintenance tasks with production.
• C. To isolate all energy sources and prevent unexpected startup or release of stored energy while work is performed.
• D. To document the maintenance history.

Answer: (C)

Lockout/tagout is about keeping the machine safely isolated from all energy sources and preventing any unexpected startup or release of stored energy while maintenance is underway. This means locking out power, disconnecting energy sources, and using devices that hold machinery in a safe, non-operating state, so workers aren’t surprised by moving parts, trapped pressure, or released springs and fluids. The goal is a controlled, predictable environment during servicing, not just turning off power or coordinating schedules, or documenting history.

Lockout/tagout is about keeping the machine safely isolated from all energy sources and preventing any unexpected startup or release of stored energy while maintenance is underway. This means locking out power, disconnecting energy sources, and using devices that hold machinery in a safe, non-operating state, so workers aren’t surprised by moving parts, trapped pressure, or released springs and fluids. The goal is a controlled, predictable environment during servicing, not just turning off power or coordinating schedules, or documenting history.