Which of the following is key for ensuring safety during steam equipment maintenance?

Following lockout/tagout procedures is essential for ensuring safety during steam equipment maintenance because these procedures serve as a critical method of protecting workers from accidental energization or the release of hazardous energy while maintenance or repair work is being conducted. Lockout/tagout (LOTO) involves isolating and de-energizing equipment before any maintenance begins, and it requires the use of locks and tags to inform personnel that the equipment is not to be operated until it is safe to do so.

This process prevents unexpected startup of machinery and provides workers with the assurance that they can perform their tasks without the danger of the equipment operating unexpectedly. LOTO procedures are established standards within safety regulations, specifically designed to minimize risks associated with machinery maintenance, ensuring that every potential hazard is controlled, which ultimately leads to a safer work environment.

Effective lockout/tagout practices are a fundamental component of a comprehensive safety program in any workplace dealing with steam equipment and other machinery.