What action should you take regarding a damaged portable power tool?

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Damaged portable power tools must not be used and should be tagged Out of Service. When a tool’s electrical components or cord are damaged, hidden faults can exist even if the surface looks okay. Insulation could be compromised, exposing live conductors or creating a higher risk of electric shock, short circuits, or fire as soon as the tool is energized. Tagging it prevents any accidental use and signals that it requires inspection and repair by qualified personnel before it can be returned to service.

Why the other options aren’t appropriate: simply cooling the tool doesn’t address the underlying fault, so the danger remains once power is applied. Using a different outlet won’t fix damaged wiring and could still lead to shock or fire. Repairing it immediately is not a safe normal action unless performed by a competent technician with the proper procedures in place; isolating the tool and arranging proper repair is the correct first step.