What is the primary recommendation to safeguard against electrocution or machine injury?

The primary recommendation to safeguard against electrocution or machine injury focuses on the implementation of a lockout/tagout policy. This safety procedure is critical in controlling hazardous energy during maintenance and servicing of equipment. By ensuring that machines are properly shut down and unable to operate until maintenance is completed, workers can protect themselves from accidental energization or start-up of equipment, which can lead to severe injuries or death due to electrocution or entrapment.

Lockout/tagout practices require that during maintenance, machines are disconnected from their power sources and that the power sources are locked in a safe position. This creates a highly effective barrier, ensuring that employees are not endangered while assessing or repairing equipment. This standard is widely recognized within occupational safety regulations and is essential for the protection of workers in any setting that involves powered machinery.

In contrast, emergency stop buttons, safety goggles, and first aid training are all vital components of a comprehensive safety program, but they do not specifically address the proactive prevention of electrocution or machine injury during maintenance work in the same direct manner that a lockout/tagout policy does.