What safety precaution is recommended when working on aircraft?

Following lockout/tagout procedures is a crucial safety precaution when working on aircraft, as it ensures that machinery is properly shut off and unable to be started up again before maintenance work is completed. This procedure involves securing energy sources and clearly labeling them to inform others that maintenance is in progress, which greatly reduces the risk of accidental energy release that could cause injury to personnel.

Proper adherence to these procedures protects not only the individual performing the maintenance but also ensures the safety of other workers around the aircraft. It's a recognized standard across various industries, particularly in aviation, where the consequences of failing to lock out or tag out equipment could be severe.

While wearing gloves, ensuring adequate illumination, and using the appropriate hand tools are all important safety practices, they do not specifically address the critical risk of releasing stored energy during maintenance activities, making lockout/tagout protocols the most vital precaution in the context of aircraft maintenance.