Safe Work Practices
Safe work practices apply even to low-voltage cabling. Begin with a hazard assessment: electrical, ladder, overhead, confined space, dust, sharp edges, and concealed utilities. Wear eye protection, gloves, and appropriate clothing; use a voltage/utility scanner before drilling or cutting. Treat unknown conductors as energized until verified; de-energize or use lockout/tagout where required. Use the right ladder and maintain three points of contact; do not overreach or stand on the top cap. Keep metal tools and ladders away from energized equipment. Control cable pulls to avoid strain injuries, and keep walkways clear. In ceilings and walls, watch for asbestos, lead, mold, and other hazards; stop and escalate if suspected. Firestopping materials and penetrations must be handled per code.
Traps: assuming telecom cable cannot shock, working on energized circuits, using a metal ladder near power, skipping PPE, and drilling without scanning.
Worked example: before mounting a backboard, scan the wall for power and plumbing, verify the mounting height, and use the correct anchors; if a concealed cable is found, stop and replan. Rule: if you cannot verify it is safe, do not proceed-isolate, test, and use the required PPE.