Wastewater New York State Practice Exam

What should be done after shutting down equipment before servicing?

1. Restart the equipment

2. Verify the settings

3. Lockout/tagout

4. Inspect surrounding area

The correct answer is: Lockout/tagout

The correct action after shutting down equipment before servicing is to implement a lockout/tagout procedure. This practice is crucial for ensuring the safety of personnel who will be working on or near the equipment. Lockout/tagout involves isolating the equipment from its energy source and securing it with a lock and tag system. This prevents accidental re-energization during maintenance activities, which can otherwise lead to serious injuries or accidents. This safety measure is a fundamental component of workplace safety protocols and is mandated by regulations in many workplaces. By using lockout/tagout, workers can perform their tasks with confidence that the equipment will not be inadvertently powered back on. In contrast, restarting the equipment or verifying settings is not appropriate until all servicing is completed and there is clear communication that the equipment is back in safe operating condition. Inspecting the surrounding area can be a good practice but does not replace the need for proper lockout/tagout protocols. Thus, lockout/tagout stands as the critical step to prioritizing safety before any servicing or maintenance work can commence.