What must be done before working on live electrical circuits?

Before working on live electrical circuits, the most critical step is to de-energize the circuit and implement a lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure. This process is vital for ensuring safety since working on live circuits poses a significant risk of electrical shock, burns, and even fatalities. By de-energizing the circuit, you eliminate the source of potential hazards, allowing for a safer working environment.

The lockout/tagout procedure further enhances safety by preventing any accidental re-energization while the work is being performed. This involves physically locking the circuit breaker or isolating the power source and tagging it to warn others of the ongoing work. Implementing these practices not only complies with safety regulations but also protects workers and minimizes the risk of accidents.

While wearing insulating gloves and notifying the building manager is also important within the context of safety, neither action substitutes for the essential and primary procedure of de-energizing the circuit and ensuring it is securely locked out before commencing work.