What is the purpose of a locked-out clearance procedure?

• A. To document maintenance history
• B. To de-energize equipment so it cannot start until removal by authorized personnel
• C. To reroute power supply
• D. To train new operators

Answer: (B)

The main idea is preventing hazardous energy from being released while someone is working on equipment. A locked-out clearance keeps the machine de-energized and inoperable until the person who put the lock (and any approved group locks) removes it. This creates a physical and procedural barrier that ensures the equipment cannot restart, protecting workers from unexpected startup or energy release, including stored or residual energy. The other choices describe unrelated goals—recording maintenance history, rerouting power, or training—so they don’t address the safety purpose of keeping equipment from starting during service.