What is one safety measure responders should follow before starting any power tools?

Determining if the atmosphere is free of flammable vapors is a critical safety measure that responders must follow before starting any power tools. This step is vital because power tools can create sparks or heat, which may ignite flammable vapors present in the environment, leading to explosions or fires. Ensuring the atmosphere is safe minimizes the risk of such hazards and protects both the responders and bystanders.

While maintaining tools is important for operational efficiency and safety, it’s not the immediate step before using power tools in potentially hazardous environments. Receiving a go-ahead from a team leader can be part of the safety protocol but does not specifically address the environmental hazards associated with atmospheric conditions. Operating tools with only one responder may hinder the safety and efficiency of the operation, especially if assistance is needed in an emergency. Therefore, assessing the atmosphere for flammable vapors is paramount for ensuring a safe work environment when using power tools.