Question

You should place the starter switch key into your pocket while you are performing the pre-trip inspection because:

1. It could damage the starting mechanism
2. Someone could steal the truck
3. Someone could start and move the truck
4. All the above

Answer 1

Placing the starter switch key in your pocket is a safety protocol to prevent truck theft and unauthorized use during the pre-trip inspection, ensuring safety and security. The 'one-handed' technique in electrical work reduces the risk of cardiac arrest by preventing a circuit that crosses through the heart.

Step-by-step explanation:

You should place the starter switch key into your pocket while you are performing the pre-trip inspection because someone could steal the truck or start and move the truck.

While there isn't a direct concern about damaging the starting mechanism in this context, maintaining control of the starter switch key eliminates the risks associated with unauthorized use of the vehicle, such as theft or unintended operation while inspection is underway. Moreover, doing this ensures the personal safety of the inspector and security of the vehicle.

Concerning electrical safety, the advice to work 'one-handed' or 'keep one hand in your pocket' when working with high-power electric circuits is to minimize the risk of electric current passing through the chest cavity. This is important because an electrical path across both hands or arms could lead to cardiac arrest. By keeping one hand in your pocket, you are less likely to create a circuit across your arms through your heart.