How should equipment showing signs of wear be handled?

• A. Continue using until failure occurs.
• B. Mark with a sticker but keep in service.
• C. Remove from service, tag as out of service, and follow maintenance or replacement procedures.
• D. Repair on-site by staff without inspection.

Answer: (C)

Handling equipment with signs of wear hinges on stopping use immediately and ensuring it is properly evaluated before any future use. When wear is detected, remove the item from service right away and tag it as out of service so no one reuses it. Then follow the established maintenance or replacement procedures—have a qualified person inspect the gear, determine whether it can be repaired safely or must be retired, and document the action. This approach protects participants from gear failure, maintains accountability, and ensures repairs or replacements are done to proper standards. Continuing to use worn gear, or simply labeling it without removing it, or attempting on-site repairs without proper inspection, fails to address the safety risk and can lead to serious injury.