What is a common safety measure taken when working with gaspipes or cables?

A common safety measure when working with gas pipes or cables is checking for gas leaks. This procedure is crucial because gas leaks can lead to hazardous situations, including explosions or asphyxiation. Detecting any leaks before starting work is essential to ensure that the environment is safe for both the worker and surrounding individuals. Gas detection tools and sensors may be employed to give accurate readings of gas levels, helping to identify any potential dangers.

While other safety measures such as using gloves, ensuring machinery is turned off, and wearing dust masks are indeed important in their respective contexts, they do not specifically address the immediate risks associated with working on gas pipes or cables. Glove usage protects against physical injuries, turning off machinery prevents accidental activation, and dust masks are typically related to respiratory protection from airborne particles, but these do not mitigate the specific threat of gas leaks, which is paramount in this context.