List at least five safety precautions or visual inspections that should be made before performing ...

Any five of the following:
Check for any obstructions near the hydrant such as sign posts, utility poles, shrubbery, or fences.
Check the direction of the hydrant outlet(s) to ensure that they face the proper direction and that there is clearance between the outlet and the surrounding ground. The clearance between the bottom of the butt and the grade should be at least 15 inches.
Check for mechanical damage to the hydrant such as dented outlets, damaged discharge threads, or rounded (stripped) stem nuts.
Check the condition of the paint for rust or corrosion.
Check for foreign objects that may have been inserted into the hydrant discharges.
Check water flow by having the hydrant fully opened and then checking its ability to drain once closed. Drainage may be checked visually or by placing the palm of your hand over the discharge opening to feel for a slight sucking action.
Make sure no vehicles or other property will be damaged or pedestrians injured by flowing water.
Make sure that the caps on unused hydrant discharges are tight.