What must be determined before any person is exposed to electrical hazards?

The necessity to conduct a shock and thermal risk assessment before exposing any person to electrical hazards is grounded in the principles of safety outlined in NFPA 70E. This assessment is essential for identifying potential electrical hazards that could lead to electric shock, arc flash, or other thermal incidents. By evaluating the risks associated with electrical work, one can implement necessary protective measures and establish safe work practices tailored to the specific conditions and equipment involved.

The focus on shock and thermal risks indicates the importance of understanding not only the potential for electrical shock but also the consequences of arc flash, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities. A thorough risk assessment enables the identification of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and helps in determining safe approach distances, thereby ensuring the safety of workers in the vicinity of electrical equipment.

Other options, while important in their contexts, do not specifically address the immediate risks associated with electrical hazards that workers could be subjected to. Machine safety analysis might be more relevant to mechanical hazards, manual control measures pertain to operational safety protocols, and grounding requirements are crucial for safe electrical installations, but none directly tackle the assessment of shock and thermal risks that are critical before engaging with electrical work.