Huddle script
Before work exposes us to electrical parts, do not assume a circuit is dead because a switch is off. For work covered by OSHA's general-industry electrical work-practices rule, a qualified person uses test equipment to verify that the circuit elements and equipment parts employees will be exposed to are deenergized. The test also checks for induced voltage or unrelated backfeed. Push buttons, selector switches and interlocks cannot be the sole means of deenergizing equipment. Confirm the applicable procedure and who is qualified before work starts. OSHA 1910.333
Comprehension check: Who uses test equipment to verify the exposed circuit elements and equipment parts are deenergized under this rule? A qualified person does.
Discussion questions
Adapt these prompts to the job and applicable requirements; the general-industry rule cited here is not a substitute for rules governing utility generation, transmission or distribution.
- Where could we be exposed to electrical parts, and could another source or backfeed energize them?
- Who is qualified to verify the exposed parts, and how will the team confirm the applicable isolation and verification procedure?
- If something does not match the plan, how do we stop work and report the concern? Confirm the applicable stop-work and no-retaliation procedures.
OSHA recommends selecting controls using a hierarchy that emphasizes elimination, substitution and engineering solutions first, then safe work practices and administrative controls, and finally PPE. Discuss feasible controls with workers and check that they remain effective. OSHA hazard prevention and control
Adaptable action checklist
- Identify exposed parts and possible sources of electrical energy before work.
- Confirm the applicable isolation procedure and qualified person for verification before exposure.
- Agree on an owner and due date for any unresolved control, and track it to completion.
Planning prompt: Who will own each open action, and when is it due? Verification question: How will we confirm the selected controls are in place and effective? Close the loop: When will we report the result back to the crew?
Sources
- Selection and use of work practices: deenergized parts — OSHA. Accessed 2026-11-04. osha.gov
- Hazard prevention and control — OSHA. Accessed 2026-11-04. osha.gov