Which of the following practices should you follow to ensure safety when working with mechanical systems?

Using a lockout/tagout device is a critical safety practice when working with mechanical systems. This procedure ensures that machinery or equipment is properly shut down and unable to be restarted while maintenance or servicing is being performed. The lockout/tagout process involves placing a lock on the energy-isolating device and displaying a tag to indicate that the equipment should not be operated. This prevents accidental energization, which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

Prioritizing safety with lockout/tagout helps establish a clear procedure for all workers involved, ensuring that everyone understands the status of the equipment and recognizes that maintenance is taking place. This is especially important in environments where multiple personnel may be interacting with the same equipment or when the equipment is in a location that allows for uncontrolled access by others. Implementing this precaution reinforces a culture of safety and protects both the individual worker and their colleagues.

In contrast, wearing loose-fitting clothing, leaving tools scattered, and working quickly can introduce various hazards, such as the risk of entanglement in machinery, tripping, or not having the risk of accidental equipment startup mitigated. These practices do not contribute to a safe working environment.