What is the primary method for keeping equipment from operating during maintenance?

The primary method for keeping equipment from operating during maintenance is installing a lockout device at the power source. This practice is essential in ensuring the safety of maintenance personnel. Lockout/tagout procedures physically prevent machines from being accidentally energized or started while they are being serviced. When a lockout device is applied to the power source, it effectively renders the equipment inoperable, ensuring that no one can inadvertently turn it back on during the maintenance process.

This approach is part of OSHA's regulations and emphasizes the significance of controlling hazardous energy. Lockout/tagout protocols require that only authorized personnel can remove the lock after maintenance is complete, further enhancing safety. Other methods, such as posting signs or using barrier tape, may alert personnel to the maintenance work occurring, but they do not provide the same level of risk reduction, as they do not physically prevent the operation of the equipment. Similarly, assigning someone to keep people away is less reliable because it relies on human vigilance, which can be fallible.