What safety measure should be taken before working on distribution equipment?

Before working on distribution equipment, it is essential to ensure that the equipment is de-energized and properly locked out/tagged out. This safety measure is crucial because it prevents accidental energization while maintenance or repairs are being performed. Lockout/tagout procedures are designed to secure energy sources in a safe position, meaning that the equipment cannot be turned on until the work is completed and the locks are removed.

By following this procedure, workers protect themselves from potential electrical shocks or other dangers that can arise from unexpected equipment operation. Proper locking and tagging also inform all personnel that maintenance is taking place, which is an important safety communication in environments where multiple workers may be operating different pieces of equipment simultaneously.

While checking for signs of wear and tear, notifying the utility company of maintenance work, and conducting visual inspections of the equipment are all important practices, none of them provide the direct protection that lockout/tagout procedures do. These actions can certainly be part of the overall maintenance process, but they do not substitute for ensuring that the equipment is de-energized and secured before any hands-on work begins.