What is one important reason to keep steam lines insulated?

Keeping steam lines insulated serves several critical functions, one of the most important being the protection of personnel. Insulation helps to maintain safe surface temperatures on steam piping, minimizing the risk of burns or other injuries to crew members who may come into contact with the piping. Without proper insulation, the outer surfaces of steam lines could reach dangerously high temperatures, creating a significant safety hazard in working environments.

In addition to personnel safety, insulation also helps in maintaining the efficiency of the steam system by reducing heat loss, although this aspect is not as directly related to personnel safety. The other options, such as reducing steam output or increasing maintenance costs, do not align with the fundamental purpose of steam line insulation, which centers on safety and efficiency. Facilitating faster cooling is also not a relevant consideration, as insulation is primarily intended to retain heat rather than accelerate cooling processes.