What does the term "unexpected startup" mean in the context of servicing equipment?

The term "unexpected startup" refers to the unanticipated energization of machinery during maintenance or repair. This is a critical safety concern in the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) context. When workers are servicing equipment, they must ensure that machines are completely de-energized and cannot start up unexpectedly, which could lead to severe injuries or fatalities. This scenario emphasizes the importance of utilizing lockout/tagout procedures to control hazardous energy sources effectively and prevent any unexpected movements of machinery that could occur if those procedures are not followed correctly.

The other options present scenarios that do not accurately describe the concept of unexpected startup. Starting a machine without a power source is not feasible; machines operating faster than usual does not pertain directly to the energization state; and accidental disconnection of machine components does not necessarily imply that the machine would start up unexpectedly. All of these illustrate different situations, but they do not capture the essence of unexpected energization during maintenance, which is why option C is the correct choice.