Is it true that you should always shut down equipment before attempting to perform work on it?

It is a fundamental safety practice to always shut down equipment before performing any maintenance or work on it. This procedure is critical to ensure the safety of personnel and to prevent accidental operation of equipment while someone is working on it. Shutting down the equipment helps eliminate risks such as unexpected movements or releases of energy, which can lead to serious injuries.

Proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are typically part of this practice, providing a systematic approach to ensure that hazardous energy is controlled and that equipment remains inoperable while work is being conducted. This practice is standard in many industrial and wastewater treatment facilities, underscoring its importance in maintaining a safe working environment.

While there may be scenarios involving trained personnel that might allow for certain tasks to be performed without a complete shutdown, this is not the general rule. Therefore, the notion that one should always shut down equipment before work is a critical safety guideline and aligns with the correct answer.