What should be done prior to removing any parts of the slicer for cleaning?

Turning the slicer to zero is an essential step before removing any parts for cleaning because it ensures that the blade is not engaged and is in a safe position. This prevents any accidental contact with the blade, reducing the risk of injury while handling the machine. Setting the slicer to zero also allows for easy access to parts that need cleaning without any operational risks, as it guarantees that the slicer will not activate unexpectedly.

While letting the slicer cool down is important for safety with hot components, and lubrication is important for maintenance, these steps do not specifically ensure safety during the cleaning process as turning it to zero does. Rinsing with water is generally a cleaning step that happens after the equipment is safely disassembled but does not address the safety concern of the slicer being in an operational state during disassembly. Thus, turning the slicer to zero is the most critical step to protect both the worker and the equipment before cleaning.