What does lockout/tagout (LOTO) accomplish during robot maintenance?

• A. It automatically restarts machinery after maintenance.
• B. It is a training program for new operators.
• C. It ensures energy sources are isolated and cannot be re-energized during maintenance, protecting workers from unexpected robot motion or energy release.
• D. It is a procedure for labeling hazardous chemical containers.

Answer: (C)

Lockout/tagout focuses on keeping energy sources from energizing a robot while maintenance is performed. By de-energizing, isolating, applying a lock to the energy-disconnecting device, and tagging the status, workers are protected from unexpected robot motion or release of stored energy. This means electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical energies are prevented from re-energizing until a safe restart is verified, including checking that all energy is dissipated and the system is safe to work on. Robots can have stored or residual energy (like springs, charged capacitors, or pressurized lines), so LOTO servings as a barrier against surprising startups. It’s not about automatic restarting, it isn’t a training program, and it doesn’t deal with labeling chemical containers.