What is required of the employer before an electrical worker begins work near energized circuits?

Before an electrical worker begins work near energized circuits, it is essential for the employer to ascertain potential hazards. This involves identifying and assessing any risks that could pose dangers to the worker, such as the presence of live electrical parts, lack of proper insulation, or other environmental factors that could lead to accidents or injuries.

Understanding potential hazards is a critical safety measure, as it allows the employer to implement appropriate safety protocols and ensure that workers are adequately informed about the specific dangers they may encounter. This proactive approach is fundamental for maintaining a safe working environment in the electrical field, where exposure to energized circuits can lead to serious consequences, including electric shock or arc flash.

The other options, while important aspects of workplace safety and efficiency, do not directly address the primary responsibility of the employer in terms of ensuring worker safety before they engage in potentially hazardous work near energized circuits.