What is the first action you should take before working on electrical equipment?

The first action you should take before working on electrical equipment is to perform a lockout/tagout. This procedure is critical for ensuring safety when interacting with electrical systems. Lockout/tagout involves shutting down machines or equipment and physically locking it to prevent it from being energized while maintenance or servicing is happening. This protects workers from accidental start-up or the release of stored energy, significantly reducing the risk of electrical shocks or injuries.

Performing a lockout/tagout creates a safe working environment by ensuring that no one can inadvertently operate the equipment while you are working on it. This step is fundamental and must be completed before any inspection, notification, or review of schematics can take place, as these activities should only occur once you are assured that the equipment is rendered safe and inoperable.