What checks need to be carried out to ensure all materials required are correct and complete prior to undertaking the activity?

This would obviously depend on the activity you are about to undertake. Generic advice will be the only option available - but may well provide some obvious ideas. First of all - THINK your way through the task ahead, including every step. Mime it using the equipment if it helps. If at any point you need to switch the equipment on to find out the effect, do so. Naturally, this advice will be fine if you are about to carry out the task of preparing food or putting up a picture. Not so good if you are about to do a skydive.