What must be performed on telephone, radios, or equivalent devices used for voice signals prior to use?

Prior to using telephone, radios, or equivalent devices for voice signals, it is crucial to conduct a test to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly. Testing allows users to verify that the communication devices are capable of transmitting and receiving signals clearly and accurately, which is essential for maintaining safety and effective communication on a job site. This process can help identify any issues such as poor sound quality, dead spots, or equipment malfunctions that could hinder communication between signal persons and operators.

While inspecting for damages and calibrating equipment are important maintenance practices, they are not the primary actions required immediately before use. Replacing the equipment with new devices is also not practical in most situations and does not address immediate communication needs. Testing is specifically focused on checking the operational capability of the devices to ensure reliability during actual use.