Panel boards carry high voltages, posing risks like electrical shock, burns, or arc flashes. Awareness of these dangers is essential before performing any maintenance tasks to ensure worker safety and prevent accidents.
Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as insulated gloves, safety glasses, flame-resistant clothing, and safety boots. This gear minimizes the risk of injury from electrical hazards during panel board maintenance.
Implement lockout/tagout (LOTO) to isolate electrical power. Use locks and tags to ensure that power sources are completely disconnected, preventing accidental re-energization while work is being performed on the panel board.
Conduct a thorough safety inspection before starting work. Use appropriate testing equipment to verify that power is off. Ensure all tools are insulated and in good condition to avoid unintended electrical contact.