Name a sign that equipment needs maintenance before use.

• A. Visible damage
• B. Normal operation
• C. No signs of wear
• D. Routine cleaning

Answer: (A)

A visible sign of a problem that means maintenance is needed before use is any visible damage. Cracked insulation, frayed or exposed conductors, damaged cords or housings, scorch marks, or other obvious defects show the equipment isn’t in safe working condition and could pose shocks, short circuits, or fire risks. Because of that, it should be taken out of service and inspected or repaired by a qualified person before it is used again, or properly tagged out if it cannot be repaired immediately.

Normal operation and no signs of wear suggest the unit looks and functions properly, while routine cleaning is not itself a definitive signal that maintenance is required; it’s a separate action and not an indicator that the equipment needs maintenance before use.