What is the purpose of hazard assessment before performing maintenance tasks?

• A. To train new personnel.
• B. To identify hazards and determine required controls before work.
• C. To maximize production speed.
• D. To document maintenance history.

Answer: (B)

Hazard assessment before maintenance is about spotting what could cause harm and deciding what controls are needed before anyone starts work. This proactive step helps prevent injuries by identifying risks such as unexpected equipment startup, moving parts, electrical energy, hot surfaces, or work-at-height hazards, and then selecting appropriate measures to mitigate them. The controls may include engineering safeguards, defined procedures, energy-control measures like lockout/tagout, and the right personal protective equipment.

For example, if you’re going to service a machine, you’d look for risks like stored energy or the potential for parts to move unexpectedly, and you’d implement controls such as de-energizing the equipment and applying lockout/tagout, establishing a safe work procedure, and using PPE as needed. The aim isn’t to train people, speed up production, or keep records of past work; it’s to ensure the task can be done safely by addressing hazards before any work begins.