the sequence of events for equipment isolation is:
1. consider all circuits to be alive unless one is certain that there are dead and cannot, by some human error, be made live
2. place tags that show equipment is out of service for maintenance when opening an electrical circuit. the tag should bear the name of the person who put it there and should only be removed by this person and the switch re-closed by that person. an operator should isolate all equipment, such as pumps, before maintenance is started
3. all switches must be locked open, at the source of the power
4. test the equipment, after isolation, by attempting to start it at the start/stop station. the circuit may be open but charged capacitors can injure a person. always open switches completely before removing fuses.
5. if it is necessary to change a fuse in a live circuit, use approved fuse pullers that can withstand the line voltage
6. when removing fuses of live circuits, break contact with the line sides first. make contact with the line side first when inserting a new fuse.
7. switches should be opened in a firm, positive manner to prevent arcing.
