What is the first step in the process for dealing with missing tools?

Notifying Maintenance Control is the first step in addressing the issue of missing tools because this action triggers the proper protocols and procedures within the maintenance organization. Maintenance Control is responsible for overseeing the maintenance operations and ensuring that all tasks, including tool accountability, are conducted safely and efficiently. When a tool goes missing, it poses hazards not only to the current workload but also to future maintenance tasks if the tool is not accounted for. By informing Maintenance Control promptly, they can initiate a search, assess the impact on operations, evaluate the need for additional safety measures, and coordinate any necessary follow-up actions, thereby ensuring prompt retrieval efforts and the maintenance of safety standards. Other steps, while important to the overall process, typically follow this initial notification to ensure a structured response to the situation.