Which safety protocol is critical when working on substation equipment?

Lockout/tagout procedures are critical safety protocols when working on substation equipment because they ensure that all energy sources are properly isolated and inoperative before any maintenance or repair work begins. This process involves tagging equipment to indicate that it cannot be operated and securing it in a way that it cannot accidentally be re-energized while technicians are performing their tasks. This greatly reduces the risk of accidental energization, which could lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

Proper lockout/tagout practices require that the person performing maintenance visibly lock and tag the equipment, ensuring that others are aware of the maintenance activity underway. This protocol is not just a recommendation but a regulatory requirement in many jurisdictions, emphasizing its fundamental role in electrical safety practices.

In contrast, relying solely on wearing work gloves does not provide sufficient protection against electrical hazards, and simply notifying a supervisor does not guarantee that the equipment will be properly locked out and tagged. Conducting routine checks without personal protective equipment (PPE) poses significant risks to personal safety, further highlighting the importance of adhering to established safety protocols like lockout/tagout.