Before removing a machine guard to fix a machine, what step should a maintenance technician perform?

The reason to lockout/tagout the machine before removing a machine guard is fundamentally about ensuring safety. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a crucial safety procedure used to ensure that machinery is properly shut off and not started up again before maintenance work is completed. This process involves placing a lock and a tag on the energy-isolating device, which prevents accidental re-energization and protects maintenance personnel from unexpected machine startup.

By implementing LOTO, the technician takes an essential step to control hazardous energy and provides a clear indication that maintenance work is being performed. This is critical because machine guards are put in place to protect workers from moving parts, and without proper safety measures, a technician could be injured if the machine is inadvertently activated during maintenance.

Turning off the main power supply, while an important safety measure, does not provide the same level of protection as LOTO. Notifying the supervisor is also a good practice but does not address the immediate safety risks. Removing the machine from service could be a necessary step, but it is not as effective in preventing hazards without the specific actions of the lockout/tagout procedure being followed first. Therefore, locking out and tagging out the machine is the most comprehensive and appropriate action to take before attempting to