If an electrical cord is missing a prong, you should?

When an electrical cord is missing a prong, it's crucial to prioritize safety to prevent electrical hazards. Removing the cord from service is the best course of action, as a missing prong can compromise the cord's ability to ground properly. This poses a significant risk of electric shock or electrical fire since the grounding prong is designed to safely divert electricity in case of a fault.

Tagging the cord serves two critical purposes: it clearly marks the cord as unsafe for use and helps ensure that others are aware of the hazard. By taking this approach, you're minimizing the risk of someone inadvertently using the damaged cord and reinforcing safety protocols within the work environment. It is vital in any safety program to ensure that defective equipment is not only reported but also clearly identified as out of service so that it cannot be used until properly repaired or replaced.