What should be done when setting up the work area?

• A. Leave the area as is and start work immediately.
• B. Use only one warning sign.
• C. Wear proper PPE, position vehicles upstream, and place advance warning signs.
• D. Park vehicles downstream.

Answer: (C)

Setting up the work area means creating a protected, clearly marked space where you and others are shielded from electrical hazards and unintended access. Wearing proper PPE is the first line of defense—protective clothing, gloves, eye and face protection, and hard hat as appropriate—so you can withstand potential shocks, burns, or arc flash if a fault occurs.

Positioning vehicles upstream helps create a physical and visual barrier between the work zone and oncoming traffic or bystanders, reducing the chance of a vehicle or person inadvertently entering the danger area. It also helps shield workers and can give you better control over access to the site.

Placing advance warning signs communicates the hazard to others, alerting drivers and pedestrians to slow down, detour, or stay clear, which is crucial for preventing accidental exposure.

Taken together, these steps establish a safe, controlled work zone and reduce risk to workers and the public. Leaving the area unprotected, using too few warning signs, or parking in a way that doesn’t shield the site fails to create that safe boundary.