NFPA 70E requires use of an adequately rated portable test instrument to test for absence of voltage as part of the process of establishing an electrically safe work condition. This requires a live-dead-live test to verify the instrument is properly working before and after testing the circuit.

Have you ever found a voltage meter was faulty during a live-dead-live test?
Yes
No

I have had test leads fail, (wire break inside the jacket), during use.

Hi Jim, I often mention in my sessions that testers/ test instruments are a lot like extension cords. We take them for granted and they are always there like "old reliable". With test instruments particularly when first purchased, we are quick to throw out the manual with the packaging. A great deal of information is contained there such as calibration recommendations, temperature limitations, fuse, what certain symbols mean... Many companies have tailboard meetings, however, when was the last time you had a tailboard meeting that was electrical-related? The supervisor can instruct their workers to all get their tester and perform an inspection and test on a known live source. When was the last time one installed new batteries? During the Lockdowns, I recall using a test instrument outdoors in sub-zero temperatures. I kept getting strange readings, turns out I was using the tester in an environment beyond the temperature limitations. I found this out later when I checked the owner's manual.

Thanks Len! Your insight is always appreciated. Bringing this up at a tailboard meeting is a great idea. New batteries? Do they need batteries? (being silly here) Yes, 'ol reliable is something that many may take for granted until.....

I had a phase rotation meter fail. It was one of the older style, with an actual motor inside of it which spun a wheel/indicator. The posts inside of the meter broke and were "dangling"...Yikes.
Fortunately it did not short out, just dead.
Will never use that type of meter again.

Now use the non-contact type that connects around the cable insulation!

Like some of the other comments, I've never had my DMM fail but have had on two different occasions during my career where no voltage was detected during routine voltage checks of a known live circuit or had intermittent readings due to loose internal wire connections inside the Fluke leads which wasn't visible during a visual inspection. Now I always check my leads by performing a continuity check with them shorted together while wiggling all the various connection points to ensure they're not faulty.

Visual inspections are essential but unless you have x-ray sight, only a continuity test prior to performing a voltage or LDL check will help ensure what's hidden from view won't hurt or kill you.