If the emergency stop button is pressed, what is the next immediate step?

When the emergency stop button is pressed, the immediate next step is to place the handle into emergency mode. Engaging the emergency mode is crucial because it ensures that the system responds appropriately to the stop command, allowing for safe control of the equipment or vehicle. By placing the handle in emergency mode, operators can manage the situation effectively and prepare for the necessary subsequent actions, such as assessing any immediate safety concerns or restarting the system once the situation is deemed safe.

Other options, while they may relate to general safety protocols, do not address the most critical immediate response after an emergency stop has been activated. For instance, removing the master key could disrupt safety controls or prevent necessary operations from resuming, ensuring that all passengers are seated is important for safety but is typically part of a pre-operation protocol, and notifying the nearest station might be a secondary step once the immediate emergency actions have been handled. Therefore, placing the handle into emergency mode is the proper and necessary response right after engaging the emergency stop.