What is the first step in the process for removing bus jumpers?

The first step in the process for safely removing bus jumpers is to apply handbrakes. This step is crucial for ensuring safety during the operation. By applying handbrakes, you secure the bus or the vehicle in place, preventing any unintended movement that could lead to accidents or injury.

Before any work is done on electrical systems, safety protocols dictate that securing the vehicle is paramount. This step helps establish a safe working environment, especially when dealing with high voltages and electrical components.

While verifying power removal and opening latches are also critical steps in the overall procedure, they come after ensuring that the vehicle is secured. Placing the jumper on a flat or train may be necessary for certain operational contexts, but it doesn't represent the foundational safety measure that applying handbrakes does. Thus, securing the vehicle with handbrakes is correctly identified as the first step in this process.