Which material must be avoided when describing the condition of handhole enclosures?

Rusty components should be avoided when describing the condition of handhole enclosures because rust is a clear indicator of deterioration and potential structural failure in metal components. It can compromise the integrity of the enclosure, leading to possible water ingress and electrical hazards. Describing enclosures with rusty components accurately reflects their unserviceable condition and allows for necessary maintenance or replacement decisions to be made.

In contrast, while plastic parts, painted surfaces, and synthetic materials can have their own issues, they do not carry the same immediate implications for structural and functional failure as rust does. For example, plastic parts may simply show wear without affecting stability, painted surfaces may require maintenance primarily for aesthetic reasons, and synthetic materials can vary widely in performance but are not inherently indicative of failure. Therefore, highlighting rusty components provides crucial information regarding safety and maintenance needs in handhole enclosures.