Conductors not de-energized following specific OSHA procedures must be treated as what?

When conducting electrical work, safety is the top priority, and proper procedures must be followed to ensure that risks are minimized. Conductors that have not been de-energized according to specific OSHA procedures must be treated as energized. This is fundamentally important because energized conductors present a significant risk of electrical shock, burns, or even fatalities.

In the context of electrical safety, treating a conductor as energized means that all safety protocols need to be applied, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, maintaining a safe distance, and following lockout/tagout procedures where applicable, even if the workers believe that the lines might not hold a current. This approach ensures that workers do not underestimate the danger posed by live electrical circuits.

Electrical safety standards emphasize that workers must always err on the side of caution. If there is any doubt about whether conductors are de-energized, they must be treated as energized to prevent accidents and injuries. This aligns with the principles of maintaining a safe work environment as dictated by OSHA regulations.