How should utilities be managed during salvage operations?

How should utilities be managed during salvage operations?

• A. Leave utilities unchanged during salvage.
• B. Identify all utilities, de-energize electrical, shut off gas, and control the water supply; coordinate with utility providers and tag out hazards.
• C. Only shut off electricity; ignore gas and water.
• D. Delay coordination until after salvage is complete.

Answer: (B)

Securing utilities is about removing the energy hazards that can cause shock, fire, explosion, or flooding as salvage work proceeds. The best approach is to identify all utilities on site, de-energize electrical systems, shut off the gas supply, and control the water supply. Coordinating with the utility providers ensures the shutdown is done correctly and that safe re-energization or restoration can be planned, while tagging out hazards warns everyone not to re-energize or reconnect lines until the area is safe. This minimizes risk to crew and keeps the salvage operation on a controlled, safe path. Leaving utilities unchanged, or only shutting one utility, or delaying coordination, would leave serious hazards in place and could lead to dangerous conditions during work.