What should you do if a portable power tool is damaged, hot, or sparking?

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When a portable power tool is damaged, hot, or sparking, the immediate priority is to prevent electrical shock or fire. Do not use it and tag it as "Out of Service." This signals to everyone that the tool is unsafe and must not be operated until it has been inspected and repaired by qualified personnel. If it’s safe to do so, unplug it and remove it from the work area to avoid accidental use. The problem with cooling down is that the underlying fault—damaged insulation, exposed conductors, or a short—can still exist and reactivate later. Repairing immediately on site isn’t appropriate unless you’re trained and equipped to diagnose and replace faulty parts; otherwise it needs proper servicing. Continuing to use the tool after spotting damage is a serious risk to you and others.