What is typically the first step in establishing an electrically safe work condition?

Establishing electrically safe work conditions is crucial for ensuring the safety of personnel working with or near electrical equipment. The first step in this process is de-energizing the equipment. This means completely turning off the power to the electrical system or equipment that will be worked on. By removing energy from the circuit, you eliminate the risk of electric shock or arc flash hazards that can occur if the equipment remains energized during maintenance or repair tasks.

Once the equipment is de-energized, other safety measures can follow, such as disconnecting power sources and verifying circuit integrity. However, if the equipment is still energized, all subsequent safety measures become potentially ineffective against electrical hazards. Therefore, initiating the safety process through de-energization is fundamental and establishes a secure foundation for any work that will be performed on electrical systems.