Electrical Safety & LOTO Basics

Electricity is invisible and it travels instantly. By the time you feel the current, your muscles may already be locked to the source: you can't let go. Proper lockout/tagout eliminates the hazard at its source; without it, you're trusting that someone else left the equipment de-energized.

1. LOTO before you work: Lockout/Tagout means physically locking out every energy source before working on or near equipment: electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and gravity all count.
2. 'Test before touch': after locking out, attempt to start the equipment and test all conductors with a meter to verify zero energy. Never assume it's off.
3. GFCI protection is required on all temporary power sources on construction sites. Test GFCI devices at least monthly: a bad GFCI looks fine until it fails.
4. Stay at least 10 feet from overhead power lines unless de-energized and visibly grounded. 20+ feet for lines over 50kV.
5. Inspect cords and power tools before each use. Damaged insulation, bare wires, or missing ground prongs must be removed from service immediately.
6. Never bypass safety guards on electrical panels. When working near a panel, keep one hand behind your back. Never both hands inside.
7. Extension cords are temporary: not permanent wiring. Keep them off the ground, away from water, and fully uncoiled to prevent overheating.