What must a tester verify before commencing live testing on an installation?

Before commencing live testing on an installation, it is crucial for a tester to verify that it is safe to do so and that proper risk assessments have been completed. This step ensures the safety of both the tester and the installation, as live environments can present various hazards, including electrical shock or other dangerous conditions. Conducting a thorough risk assessment allows the tester to identify and mitigate potential risks, ensuring that safety protocols are adhered to before any live testing activities are initiated.

While other factors like the state of the system, the condition of testing instruments, and equipment status are important, they do not primarily address the most critical concern, which is safety. Verifying safety through risk assessments is a fundamental practice in electrical testing and inspection to protect personnel and ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.