What should you do first before servicing electrical equipment?

Before servicing electrical equipment, the most critical step is to de-energize and lockout the electrical source. This procedure is essential for ensuring the safety of the technician and anyone else who may be in the vicinity. By isolating the electrical system from its power supply, you eliminate the risk of accidental electric shocks or electrocution while performing repairs or maintenance.

Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are designed to prevent accidental energization of the equipment while it is being serviced. This involves turning off the power, locking the switch or circuit breaker in the off position, and tagging it with a warning sign indicating that maintenance work is being conducted. This not only protects the technician but also communicates to others not to attempt to operate the equipment during servicing.

While checking the voltage, notifying management, and testing the equipment are important steps in the maintenance process, they should only occur after ensuring that the equipment is fully de-energized and locked out. This order of operations is a fundamental safety protocol in any work environment involving electrical systems.