What precaution should be taken before working with electrical equipment?

Before working with electrical equipment, it is crucial to ensure that the equipment is tagged and de-energized. Tagging refers to using safety tags to indicate that the equipment should not be operated, usually due to maintenance or repair work being performed. This procedure helps prevent accidental energization, which can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

De-energizing the equipment means ensuring that it is completely disconnected from its power source, thereby eliminating the risk of electrical shock or arc flash incidents. This step is part of standard lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, which are designed to safeguard workers when they are servicing or maintaining machinery.

Without these precautions, individuals would be at significant risk of exposure to live electrical components, which could cause severe injuries or even death. Thus, verifying that equipment is properly tagged and de-energized is a fundamental requirement in maintaining safety standards in any environment where electrical work is performed.