Which description best characterizes the safety approach to energized equipment as recommended by OSHA?

• A. De-energize all equipment before work whenever possible.
• B. Test the equipment but assume it is de-energized until proven energized.
• C. Treat all equipment as energized and test to prove otherwise.
• D. Do not test equipment, rely solely on training.

Answer: (C)

OSHA emphasizes a cautious mindset around energized equipment: don’t assume a circuit is safe just because you can’t see a source of energy. The recommended approach is to treat all equipment as energized and verify that it is de-energized by testing before you work on it. This ensures you don’t overlook hidden or stored energy, potential re-energization, or a missed lockout/tagout.

To do this correctly, you first verify the tester and instruments are functioning by testing on a known live source, then test the circuit or equipment in the area you’ll be working on to confirm there is no voltage or stored energy present. If de-energizing is possible and practical, that’s the safest route, but when it isn’t feasible, applying the “assume energized until proven otherwise” rule helps protect workers from shock or arc flash.