Before cutting or drilling into equipment where energized lines or parts may be contacted, the employer shall perform a risk assessment to

• A. identify hazards
• B. ensure safe work practices are in place
• C. select PPE
• D. all of the above

Answer: (D)

When assessing risk before cutting or drilling into equipment with energized parts, you must consider the full range of controls: identifying hazards, putting safe work practices in place, and selecting the appropriate PPE. Identifying hazards tells you what could go wrong, but without safe work practices you have a plan gap that can still lead to incidents. Without PPE, workers have little protection against residual or unavoidable risks. Combining hazard identification, practical safe procedures (like de-energizing when possible, lockout/tagout, and proper isolation), and appropriate protective equipment creates a complete approach to manage the risk. That’s why the best answer is the one that includes all three elements.