What must be done to electrical equipment that has been de-energized before work can begin?

When electrical equipment has been de-energized before work can begin, it must be locked out and tagged out to ensure the safety of the workers. This procedure, known as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), involves physically locking the energy-isolating devices in the "off" position and placing a tag that indicates the equipment should not be turned on. This prevents accidental re-energization while maintenance or repairs are being made.

The importance of this procedure stems from the fact that even if equipment appears to be de-energized, there could still be residual energy or other risks associated with unintended startup. Locking out and tagging out provides a reliable way to protect workers from such hazards, ensuring that they have control over the energy sources affecting the equipment they are working on.

Implementing LOTO procedures is not only a best practice in electrical safety but is also mandated by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, which require that proper precautions are taken to prevent injuries. This emphasizes the critical nature of the LOTO process in maintaining a safe working environment.