What is the primary purpose of wearing PPE and following lockout/tagout procedures in an automotive shop?

• A. To protect workers from injury caused by hazardous chemicals.
• B. To ensure the shop meets production quotas.
• C. To protect workers from injury and prevent accidental energization or startup of equipment during service.
• D. To improve detailing of repairs.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is safety during maintenance and service work. Wearing PPE and using lockout/tagout procedures are ways to protect workers from hazards and to prevent the machine or energy source from starting up unexpectedly while someone is working on it.

PPE serves as a protective barrier against specific hazards a technician might encounter, such as chemical exposure, flying debris, sharp edges, heat, or corrosive substances. It reduces the likelihood and severity of injuries if a hazard is encountered.

Lockout/tagout goes beyond personal protection by controlling the energy that powers equipment. The procedure ensures all energy sources are isolated, locked, and tagged so that the machine cannot be energized or restarted while someone is servicing or repairing it. This prevents unexpected startups and the release of stored energy, which could cause serious injury.

The other options miss the core safety purpose: PPE and lockout/tagout are not about meeting quotas or improving the detailing of repairs. They’re about preventing injuries and accidental energization during service.