How often should locks and locking devices be checked according to best practices?

The correct answer is the recommendation to check locks and locking devices before getting underway. This frequency ensures that all safety measures are in place before embarking on any operation, particularly in environments where safety is critical, such as in engineering and manufacturing settings.

By performing checks just before beginning operations, potential issues can be identified and corrected, significantly reducing the risk of accidents or equipment failure during critical activities. This practice aligns with the proactive approach to safety, emphasizing the importance of verifying the functionality of security measures right before they are needed.

In contrast, the other suggested frequencies, such as hourly, weekly, or monthly, may not be adequate for certain high-risk scenarios where immediate verification is crucial. Regular checks might catch problems, but the key focus should be on ensuring that everything is secure and operational just prior to use, making it essential to validate the condition of locking devices right before they're needed.