Why is Lockout/Tagout important in electrical work?

• A. To ensure cost savings during maintenance.
• B. To ensure equipment is de-energized and cannot be re-energized during maintenance.
• C. To allow devices to be re-energized after maintenance.
• D. To track maintenance time for scheduling.

Answer: (B)

Lockout/Tagout is about controlling hazardous energy so workers stay safe while servicing equipment. Its essential purpose is to ensure the electrical circuit is de-energized and cannot be re-energized during maintenance, preventing shocks, burns, or other injuries from unexpected startup or from stored energy. A lock physically blocks the energy source, and a tag provides a warning that the equipment must remain off until it’s safe. This combination makes it clear that the work can proceed only after the energy has been isolated and verified as off. The other options miss the safety focus—saving costs isn’t the goal, re-energizing after work is only allowed once it’s safe, and tracking maintenance time doesn’t address hazards from energized equipment.