Which step ensures a conveyor cannot restart during maintenance?

• A. Unlock the main controller and leave it in ON
• B. Lockout/tagout and verify de-energization
• C. Restart the motor briefly to test
• D. Disable all guarding

Answer: (B)

Preventing a conveyor from restarting during maintenance relies on isolating and controlling the energy source so power cannot be reapplied. Lockout/tagout involves placing a physical lock on the energy‑isolating device and attaching a tag that clearly indicates maintenance is in progress. Verifying de-energization confirms there is no active or residual energy in the system, so the equipment cannot restart until the lock is removed and normal operation is authorized. This combination provides a definitive, visible barrier to re-energizing the machine while work is being done.

Unlocking the main controller and leaving it ON would bypass the isolation and allow a restart. Briefly restarting the motor during maintenance defeats the purpose of the safety step. Disabling guarding removes essential protective barriers and creates a serious hazard. Lockout/tagout with de-energization verification is the reliable method to ensure the conveyor cannot restart during maintenance.