What is the correct procedure if the E-stop is pressed?

• A. Release the E-stop immediately.
• B. Keep the E-stop engaged, release it only after ensuring a safe state, then reset and resume per procedure.
• C. Ignore the E-stop and continue.
• D. Reset E-stop by pressing a separate reset button.

Answer: (B)

When the E-stop is pressed, the system goes into a safe, halted state and the E-stop latches in. Releasing it immediately would re-energize the system before any hazards have been cleared, which is unsafe. The proper approach is to keep the E-stop engaged and first verify that the area is safe and that the machine is in a known safe state, with all hazards addressed. Only then follow the defined reset sequence to clear the fault and re-arm the controls, before resuming operation. If conditions aren’t safe or faults persist, do not reset or resume. This sequence ensures that you don’t restart equipment while there could still be danger or unresolved faults.