What safety feature is designed to help prevent accidental startups of a power tool?

The presence of a safety lock or switch is crucial in power tools to prevent accidental startups. This safety feature requires a deliberate action, such as pressing a button or sliding a switch, to activate the tool, ensuring that it cannot be turned on unintentionally. This design helps protect users from injuries that could occur if the tool were to start suddenly while being handled.

While adjustable speed controls are valuable for managing the operation speed of a power tool, they do not specifically prevent accidental activation. A carrying case is primarily about transportation and storage, providing no direct safeguard against unintentional startups. An emergency shut-off system is important for stopping a tool that is already running, but it does not prevent it from starting in the first place. Thus, the safety lock or switch is the most effective feature for preventing accidental starts.