What should be employed to prevent electrical shock when working with energized circuits?

Safety-related work practices is the recommended approach to prevent electrical shock when working with energized circuits. It encompasses a wide range of procedures and protocols designed to ensure worker safety in environments where they may be exposed to electrical hazards. These practices include training employees on the necessary safety precautions, utilizing lockout/tagout procedures to control hazardous energy, employing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and adhering to national safety standards and regulations.

While safety gloves, protective barriers, and warning signs are all components that can enhance safety, they are part of the broader umbrella of safety-related work practices. For example, safety gloves are a form of PPE but will only protect individuals if proper work practices are also in place to mitigate risks associated with electrical work. Similarly, protective barriers may help physically separate workers from dangerous areas, and warning signs can raise awareness, yet these measures alone do not encompass the full scope of necessary safety practices. Therefore, the overarching focus should be on implementing comprehensive safety-related work practices to effectively minimize the risk of electrical shock.