What is the first step to take before conducting any maintenance work?

The initial step before conducting any maintenance work is to conduct a risk assessment and ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place. This process is vital because it identifies potential hazards associated with the maintenance task, allowing for the implementation of control measures to mitigate risks. A thorough risk assessment evaluates the environment, equipment, and any processes involved, thereby ensuring that safety is prioritized before work begins.

This proactive approach helps prevent accidents and injuries by ensuring that workers are fully aware of the risks and that necessary precautions are taken. It is an essential practice in health and safety management as it fosters a culture of safety, enabling everyone involved to work in a secure environment.

Notifying all employees about the maintenance schedule is indeed important to ensure everyone is informed and aware, but this typically follows after assessing risks. Waiting for management approval is necessary to ensure compliance and authorization but does not directly address safety concerns. Purchasing new safety equipment might be relevant depending on the findings of the risk assessment, but it should not precede the assessment itself. Conducting the risk assessment first establishes the foundation for all subsequent safety-related actions.