Verifying the presence or absence of voltage should be performed only by

• A. Qualified individuals
• B. Unqualified personnel
• C. Owners of the equipment
• D. Trained apprentices

Answer: (A)

Verifying presence or absence of voltage is a safety-critical step that requires proper training and authorization. A qualified individual has the knowledge to select and use the correct test equipment, follow the proper energy-control procedures (like lockout/tagout), and interpret readings to ensure a true zero-energy state. This prevents shock, arc flash, or injuries from stored or induced energy and ensures work can proceed only when the equipment is safely de-energized. Unqualified personnel lack the necessary training to perform this correctly, and owners or apprentices without supervision may not reliably achieve a safe state. Apprentices can work under the supervision of a qualified person, but the task should be performed by someone qualified to avoid serious hazards.