What is the purpose of locking out an electrical motor during maintenance?

Locking out an electrical motor during maintenance is primarily done to prevent the motor from starting unexpectedly while a technician or operator is working on it. This practice is crucial for ensuring the safety of personnel, as unexpected machine operation can lead to serious injuries or accidents.

The lockout/tagout procedure involves isolating the energy source and securing it with a lock and a tag to indicate that maintenance is in progress. This way, only authorized personnel can unlock and restore power to the motor, thereby providing an additional layer of safety. By effectively controlling access to the energy source, technicians can perform their duties without the risk of the motor starting up inadvertently.

This preventive measure is an essential aspect of workplace safety protocols in industrial and manufacturing environments, reinforcing the importance of following safety procedures during maintenance tasks.