Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) G3 Practice Exam

For increased safety during repairs, how should electrical panels be handled?

1. Always leave them energized

2. Ensure they are locked out

3. Only use insulated tools

4. Keep the environment dry

The correct answer is: Ensure they are locked out

When conducting repairs on electrical panels, it is crucial to ensure they are locked out to prevent accidental energization. Locking out an electrical panel means that the panel is isolated from its power source, effectively preventing anyone from turning it back on while repairs are being performed. This practice is part of the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure, which is designed to protect workers by minimizing the risk of electric shock or other hazards associated with energized equipment. Locking out the panel ensures that all personnel working on or around it can operate under the assumption that the panel is safe to work on. This is an essential safety measure that aligns with occupational health and safety regulations, ensuring that the work environment is as safe as possible during maintenance activities. While using insulated tools, maintaining a dry environment, and handling panels while they are energized might seem like appropriate safety measures, they do not provide the same level of assurance against accidental contact with live electrical parts. Thus, ensuring that panels are properly locked out is the most effective strategy for enhancing safety during repairs.