When working on energized equipment, which best practice should be followed?

When working on energized equipment, which best practice should be followed?

• A. Turn off the equipment before working
• B. Work rapidly with exposed conductors
• C. Bypass safety interlocks to save time
• D. Keep one hand in your pocket or behind your back

Answer: (A)

The essential safety practice here is to remove the energy source before you begin work. Turning off the equipment eliminates the hazards of electric shock and arc flash and allows you to verify that the circuit is de-energized. When you de-energize, you should also apply proper isolation and lockout/tagout so the equipment cannot be re-energized while you’re working. Bypassing safety features, rushing with exposed conductors, or trying to rely on a single-hand rule do not provide meaningful protection and keep you at high risk. Focus on de-energizing first; it’s the safest and most effective way to work on electrical equipment.

The essential safety practice here is to remove the energy source before you begin work. Turning off the equipment eliminates the hazards of electric shock and arc flash and allows you to verify that the circuit is de-energized. When you de-energize, you should also apply proper isolation and lockout/tagout so the equipment cannot be re-energized while you’re working. Bypassing safety features, rushing with exposed conductors, or trying to rely on a single-hand rule do not provide meaningful protection and keep you at high risk. Focus on de-energizing first; it’s the safest and most effective way to work on electrical equipment.