Which procedure provides a formal, verifiable means of controlling hazardous energy during maintenance on landing gear?

Which procedure provides a formal, verifiable means of controlling hazardous energy during maintenance on landing gear?

• A. Chock wheels
• B. Lockout/tagout procedures
• C. De-energize hydraulics
• D. Wear PPE

Answer: (B)

Controlling hazardous energy during maintenance requires a formal, verifiable process that isolates all energy sources, secures the equipment, and confirms there is zero energy before work starts. Lockout/tagout procedures provide that mechanism. They require trained personnel to identify every energy source connected to the landing gear, isolate them using appropriate devices, apply a lock to prevent re-energizing and attach a tag to warn others, and then verify that the system cannot be energized while maintenance is performed. This structured approach reduces the risk of unexpected movement, sudden release of hydraulic pressure, or inadvertent re-energization that could cause injury or damage. Chocking wheels, while useful for preventing aircraft movement on the ground, does not address energy sources or the possibility of re-energization. De-energizing hydraulics is a part of energy control, but without the formal lockout/tagout process, authorization, and verification, it isn’t a verifiable safety measure. Wearing PPE protects the worker but does not control or isolate hazardous energy.

Controlling hazardous energy during maintenance requires a formal, verifiable process that isolates all energy sources, secures the equipment, and confirms there is zero energy before work starts. Lockout/tagout procedures provide that mechanism. They require trained personnel to identify every energy source connected to the landing gear, isolate them using appropriate devices, apply a lock to prevent re-energizing and attach a tag to warn others, and then verify that the system cannot be energized while maintenance is performed. This structured approach reduces the risk of unexpected movement, sudden release of hydraulic pressure, or inadvertent re-energization that could cause injury or damage.

Chocking wheels, while useful for preventing aircraft movement on the ground, does not address energy sources or the possibility of re-energization. De-energizing hydraulics is a part of energy control, but without the formal lockout/tagout process, authorization, and verification, it isn’t a verifiable safety measure. Wearing PPE protects the worker but does not control or isolate hazardous energy.