What safety measure is essential before working on electrical circuits?

Turning off the power supply and using lockout/tagout procedures is crucial before working on electrical circuits because it ensures that the circuit is completely de-energized, minimizing the risk of electric shock or accidental re-energization while work is being conducted. This safety measure involves not only switching off the circuit but also placing locks and tags on the circuit breakers or switches to prevent others from turning the power back on while the work is ongoing.

This practice is a fundamental part of safe electrical work protocols, as it provides a documented and visible way to prevent anyone from inadvertently activating the electrical system. By implementing these control measures, workers can focus on their tasks without the fear of live voltage.

While wearing insulated gloves and testing with a multimeter are important elements of working safely with electricity, they are not as comprehensive as the lockout/tagout approach, which addresses the primary hazard directly related to electrical circuit work—unwanted energization. Disconnection of all circuit breakers, while seemingly thorough, doesn’t ensure safety unless combined with lockout/tagout to prevent reconnection. Therefore, the lockout/tagout procedure is the most effective way to ensure safety in the electrical work environment.