In which situation should workers perform an emergency shutdown of their equipment?

Performing an emergency shutdown of equipment is critical when there is an immediate hazard that poses a significant risk to safety or the operation of the machinery. A loud banging noise can indicate a serious mechanical failure or malfunction that could lead to equipment damage, injury to workers, or further hazards if not addressed promptly. This type of noise may signal issues such as misalignment, interference with moving parts, or failure of critical components, which necessitate an immediate response to prevent escalation of the situation.

In contrast, while a minor leak may require attention, it typically does not necessitate an emergency shutdown unless it poses an imminent risk to safety or the operation of the equipment. Similarly, shutting down equipment at the end of every shift or when tasks are completed is a standard operational procedure rather than an emergency response. These actions are planned and do not respond to immediate threats to safety or equipment integrity.