For an employee to work on de-energized lines or equipment, what conditions must be met?

For an employee to work on de-energized lines or equipment, it is essential that the lines or equipment are properly grounded. Grounding is critical to ensure that any accidental build-up of voltage or residual electrical energy is safely dissipated, preventing the risk of electric shock or injury. Proper grounding provides a continuous path for fault current and ensures that the work environment is safe for employees.

While grounding is a primary safety measure, visibility and the use of safety harnesses contribute to overall safety practices but do not directly address the necessary conditions for working on de-energized lines. Having harnesses on might be part of broader safety regulations, but it is not a condition specifically required for working on de-energized systems. Similarly, while clearing the area of personnel aids in safety, it does not replace the need for grounding as a crucial factor when dealing with electrical work. Hence, grounding is the foundational requirement to ensure safety during such operations.