Why should a helper inspect extension cords before running power tools

Plain-English answer

You grab a tangled extension cord out of the gang-box to run your high-speed plasma cutter. You ignore a small nick in the outer insulation jacket layer, and the cord short-circuits and sparks out when the tool draws high load amperage.

Pull damaged cords out of service before running high-load tools. Tag the cord and get a safe lead instead of gambling with shock or fire. The likely recovery is to check the condition, correct prep/setup if it is within your assignment, and bring the foreman clean information before the work creates rework overhead.

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Use this as training guidance. Foreman direction, approved drawings, project specs, manufacturer instructions, employer safety policy, and AHJ/code requirements always control the final answer.

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