What is the first safety measure to take before working on a pump?

The first safety measure to take before working on a pump is to implement the lock out tag out procedure. This step is essential to ensure that the pump and its associated machinery are completely de-energized and rendered inoperable before any maintenance or repairs begin. Lock out tag out involves placing a lock on the energy-isolating device and tagging it to inform others that maintenance is in progress and that the equipment should not be operated. This procedure is crucial for preventing accidental start-up or release of stored energy, which can pose serious dangers to anyone working on the pump.

While the other options may contribute to overall safety, they are not the primary step that must be taken prior to beginning work. Inspecting the pump for leaks and performing a risk assessment are important activities that can follow the lock out tag out process, and notifying a supervisor can be part of the protocols involved in a comprehensive safety plan, but none of these measures replace the immediate need to ensure control over the equipment’s power source through lock out tag out. This measure recognizes the critical importance of isolating hazardous energy before proceeding with maintenance tasks.