What is the purpose of lockout/tagout in maintenance activities?

• A. To isolate energy sources during maintenance to prevent unexpected startup and protect workers.
• B. To train workers in safety procedures.
• C. To monitor wastewater temperature.
• D. To label hazardous chemicals.

Answer: (A)

Lockout/tagout is about isolating all energy sources during maintenance so the equipment cannot start up unexpectedly, protecting workers from shocks, burns, or being struck by moving parts. The key idea is to de-energize and secure the machine so it cannot energize during service, and to verify that it remains non-operational until the work is complete. While training, labeling, or monitoring related aspects are important safety practices, they do not address the specific purpose of preventing unexpected startup through energy isolation.