Which items are included in key pre-work equipment inspection steps?

• A. Check for physical damage, overheating signs, damaged cords, loose connections, proper enclosure guards, and verify labeling and tags.
• B. Only check the color of cords.
• C. Ignore labeling and tags.
• D. Power on and test at full load.

Answer: (A)

Before starting work, you must systematically look for hazards that could cause shock, burns, or fire. The best choice focuses on a comprehensive visual and physical check of the equipment: inspect for physical damage that could expose live parts, signs of overheating that indicate insulation or overload problems, damaged cords that could lead to shock or fire, loose connections that can arc or overheat, ensure enclosure guards are in place to prevent contact with moving parts, and verify labeling and tags to confirm current certifications, warnings, and maintenance status. These elements together help catch problems before energizing the equipment.

The other options fall short: checking only the cord color doesn’t reveal actual safety issues, ignoring labeling and tags neglects important maintenance and warning information, and powering on and testing at full load without prior inspection introduces immediate risk of shock, arc flash, or equipment failure.