What is the purpose of lockout/tagout procedures in maintenance of drive systems?

• A. To prevent accidental overload of drive components.
• B. To prevent unexpected energization and protect personnel during service.
• C. To optimize energy efficiency during operation.
• D. To document maintenance history.

Answer: (B)

Lockout/tagout is about controlling hazardous energy so people are protected when maintenance is performed on drive systems. Before work starts, all energy sources that could move or power the equipment—electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, spring-loaded, or stored-energy—are isolated. The lock physically prevents the equipment from being started, and the tag provides a warning that work is in progress and that the equipment should not be operated. This combination ensures that the machine cannot energize unexpectedly or release stored energy while someone is servicing it, which could cause severe injury. After the work is done and it’s safe to re-energize, the energy sources are restored and the locks removed.

This purpose is distinct from preventing overload during normal operation, which is handled by protective devices like fuses or breakers, or from improving energy efficiency or documenting maintenance history, which are separate concerns. The focus here is safeguarding personnel by preventing unexpected energization and energy release during service.