What safety device is crucial for preventing accidental machine start-up?

The key safety device for preventing accidental machine start-up is the lockout/tagout device. This system is crucial in ensuring that machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again before maintenance or servicing work is completed. The lockout/tagout procedure involves physically locking the energy-isolating devices (like circuit breakers or valves) in a safe position and tagging them to alert personnel that the machine is not to be operated. This significantly reduces the risk of accidental energization, which could lead to injury or fatalities during maintenance activities.

In industrial settings, following the lockout/tagout protocol is a standard safety practice as it provides a clear methodology for work around hazardous machines. It ensures that only authorized personnel can access and operate the machinery, thereby maintaining a safer work environment. The other devices listed, while important for electrical safety, serve different purposes that do not directly address the issue of preventing accidental machine start-up.