According to 1926.417(b), deenergized equipment must be?

The requirement outlined in 1926.417(b) emphasizes the importance of ensuring safety when dealing with deenergized equipment. For equipment to be considered deenergized, it must not only have its power supply disconnected but must also be rendered inoperative and clearly tagged. This is a critical safety measure designed to prevent accidental energization, which could pose a significant risk to personnel working in the vicinity or those who may inadvertently interact with the equipment.

By tagging the equipment, workers are visually and practically alerted to the status of the machinery, indicating that it should not be operated in its current state. This tagging system serves as an essential communication tool that enhances workplace safety. Simply leaving equipment as is, powering it off without additional safeguards, or storing it securely do not provide the same level of assurance that it is safe to approach or work on the equipment. The systematic approach of rendering equipment inoperative and tagging it actively contributes to a safer work environment, aligning with established electrical safety protocols.