What does an electric lockout prevent during maintenance?

An electric lockout is a safety procedure designed to prevent injuries from electrical shocks while maintenance is being performed on machinery or equipment. When maintenance personnel are working on equipment, there is a risk of accidental energization, which could lead to severe electrical hazards. By employing a lockout/tagout system, the power supply to the machinery is physically locked off, ensuring that it cannot be turned back on until the work is complete and the lockout device is removed by the authorized person. This practice is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment and protecting workers from the dangers associated with unexpected machine start-up or discharge of stored energy.

The other choices, while related to safety and operational concerns in a broader context, do not specifically address the primary purpose of an electric lockout during maintenance, which is focused on preventing electrical shock vulnerabilities.