Before maintenance of ALRE equipment, what step is essential to control stored energy?

• A. Verify depressurization only
• B. Lockout/tagout, release stored energy, verify depressurization, and follow applicable safety procedures
• C. Nothing is required
• D. Schedule maintenance after the ship returns to port

Answer: (B)

Controlling stored energy is essential before maintenance because ALRE equipment stores energy in hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical forms that can cause sudden movement or release if worked on while energized. The best approach blends isolation, energy release, verification, and adherence to safety procedures. Lockout/tagout protects personnel by physically preventing re-energization; releasing stored energy (bleeding hydraulic/pneumatic lines, venting accumulators, relaxing springs, etc.) eliminates the energy that could move components; verifying depressurization confirms there is no residual energy present; and following the applicable safety procedures ensures all system-specific hazards and steps are properly addressed. Depressurizing alone without locking out energy sources can leave the system vulnerable to re-energization; and delaying maintenance or doing nothing does not address these hazards.