What must be done to live parts before an employee can work on or near them?

Deenergizing live parts is a fundamental safety practice before any work is conducted on or near electrical systems. This step is essential to minimize the risks of electrical shock or accidents while employees are performing their tasks. When parts are energized, there is a significant danger present, and even trained personnel can be at risk if an unexpected contact occurs.

Deenergizing eliminates the potential for electric current to flow through a person’s body, thereby protecting workers from possible injury. Additionally, once the live parts are deenergized, proper lockout/tagout procedures should be implemented to ensure that no one accidentally restores power while work is in progress. Deenergization creates a safe working environment where employees can perform their duties without the immediate danger posed by live electrical components.

While other options may suggest protective measures or conditions under which work can occur, they do not provide the same level of safety that deenergizing does. Prioritizing the deenergization of electrical parts aligns with established safety standards and industry best practices, ensuring that the risk associated with handling live electrical parts is mitigated as much as possible.