Before starting the ESS commissioning, which activity is typically performed?

• A. Planning
• B. Equipment disposal
• C. Emergency drills
• D. Battery replacement scheduling

Answer: (A)

Planning the commissioning activity sets the stage by defining the scope, allocating responsibilities, and locking in the schedule, safety controls, and required permits. This upfront work also establishes the test procedures and acceptance criteria, so everyone knows what will be checked, how tests will be performed, and how results will be documented. When planning is thorough, it helps ensure the equipment and power sources are ready, safety protocols (like isolation and lockout/tagout) are in place, and coordination with other trades and regulatory requirements is clear. All of this reduces surprises, speeds up the process, and helps verify that the system will perform as intended under FDNY COF B28 guidelines.

Disposal of equipment isn’t part of starting a new commissioning effort; it’s a decommissioning or end-of-life activity. Emergency drills are ongoing safety activities that occur separately from the initial commissioning steps. Scheduling battery replacements is a maintenance activity typically handled during ongoing operation and preventive maintenance planning, not the immediate first step when launching commissioning.