OSHA standards require that electrical equipment be ___ before it is serviced or repaired.

The requirement for electrical equipment to be de-energized, locked, and tagged before servicing or repairing it is established to ensure the safety of workers. When electrical equipment is de-energized, this prevents any electrical current from flowing through the equipment during the repair or service work, significantly minimizing the risk of electric shock.

Locking the equipment ensures that it cannot be inadvertently energized while the service is ongoing. This is usually accomplished with a locking device to secure the disconnecting means in the off position. Tagging serves as a communication tool, alerting others that the equipment is being worked on and must not be turned on. It typically includes details such as the name of the person who locked it out and the reason for the lockout, further ensuring that no unauthorized personnel attempt to operate the equipment.

The combination of these three actions—de-energizing, locking, and tagging—creates a comprehensive safety protocol known as lockout/tagout (LOTO), which is crucial in preventing accidents that could lead to serious injuries or fatalities in the workplace. The absence of any one of these components could potentially expose workers to unsafe conditions.