What should you do before working near electrical equipment?

What should you do before working near electrical equipment?

• A. Wear protective gloves and proceed.
• B. Ensure it has been de-energized, removed from service, and tagged.
• C. Notify supervisor only.
• D. Cover with tape and continue.

Answer: (B)

Before working near electrical equipment, the priority is to control the energy source so the equipment cannot start or release energy while you work. This means the equipment must be de-energized, removed from service, and tagged. De-energized means the power is cut and the circuit is not live. Removing from service ensures the device is isolated from all energy sources, so it cannot be re-energized. Tagging provides a visible warning that maintenance is in progress, identifies who is responsible, and communicates that the equipment must not be operated. This combination dramatically reduces the risk of electric shock, arc flash, and unintended startup. PPE and awareness help, but without proper isolation and tagging, the equipment could still energize or be turned on, making other options unsafe.

Before working near electrical equipment, the priority is to control the energy source so the equipment cannot start or release energy while you work. This means the equipment must be de-energized, removed from service, and tagged. De-energized means the power is cut and the circuit is not live. Removing from service ensures the device is isolated from all energy sources, so it cannot be re-energized. Tagging provides a visible warning that maintenance is in progress, identifies who is responsible, and communicates that the equipment must not be operated. This combination dramatically reduces the risk of electric shock, arc flash, and unintended startup. PPE and awareness help, but without proper isolation and tagging, the equipment could still energize or be turned on, making other options unsafe.