Power tools should be inspected when?

• A. At the end of every shift
• B. Daily before use
• C. At the beginning of every shift
• D. After each use

Answer: (C)

Starting a shift with a quick power tool inspection ensures you confirm the tool is in safe, operable condition before you begin work. This check catches defects that may have developed during storage, transit, or previous use—such as damaged cords, loose guards, broken switches, or dull or damaged bits—so you don’t start a task with a tool that could fail or cause an injury. If anything is found, the tool is taken out of service until it’s repaired or replaced, preventing accidents and downtime later in the shift.

End-of-shift checks can miss issues that become dangerous as soon as the tool is reused, while a daily check may be infrequent for tools used multiple times in a single shift. Checking after each use is good practice, but the most immediate safety measure is to verify the tool’s condition at the start of the shift so you’re ready to work safely from the first task.