Who is responsible for de-energizing and grounding power lines before work begins?

De-energizing and grounding power lines is a critical safety procedure that is necessary to protect workers from electrical hazards. The entity responsible for these actions is the one that owns and operates the power line, which ensures that appropriate safety measures are in place to prevent accidental electrocution and other electrical injuries. This responsibility lies with the utility company or organization that manages the power lines, as they possess the expertise and authorization to safely perform these actions.

The involvement of the utility company is crucial because they understand the specific systems in place and have the equipment and trained personnel capable of safely de-energizing and grounding the lines. This ensures that when work begins, the risks associated with electrical services are minimized.

Other individuals, such as the workers on site or a safety officer, play important roles in maintaining safety and awareness, but they do not have the responsibility or authority to de-energize and ground power lines. Their focus may include ensuring safe work practices and adherence to regulations, but cannot replace the need for utility companies to handle high voltage safety procedures, which require specialized training and equipment.