Which is a sign that equipment may be unsafe to use?

Visible signs of wear or damage are definitive indicators that equipment may be unsafe to use. This could include frayed wires, cracked insulation, or any physical distortion that can compromise the tool's integrity and performance. Such signs suggest that the equipment might not operate as intended, increasing the risk of electrical shocks, short circuits, or other malfunctions. Safety protocols emphasize the importance of inspecting equipment regularly and retiring any that shows these concerning signs, as they can lead to hazardous working conditions.

While new equipment may seem safe, and functioning equipment could appear reliable, neither of these guarantees safety. Recent checks do not necessarily indicate that no further damage could have occurred since the last inspection. Hence, acknowledging visible damage as a primary flag for safety allows for better preventive measures in utility practices.