What safety consideration should be prioritized when dealing with high voltage systems?

The priority of wearing insulated gloves when dealing with high voltage systems is critical for ensuring personal safety. Insulated gloves are specifically designed to protect against electrical shock by providing a barrier between the user and the live electrical components. High voltage systems pose a significant risk of serious injury or even fatality if a direct or indirect contact occurs with energized parts. Insulated gloves help to prevent this by insulating the wearer from potential electric current that may flow through contact with conductive surfaces or equipment.

While using rubber tools, ensuring adequate ventilation, and keeping liquids away from equipment are important safety practices in their own right, they do not provide the same level of direct personal protection from electrical shock that insulated gloves offer. Insulated gloves are a first line of defense when working in environments where the risk of electric shock is a concern, making them the most critical safety consideration in high voltage situations.