What does it mean if a fault cannot be resolved in Step 9?

When a fault cannot be resolved in Step 9, it indicates that the issue within the system still persists despite the troubleshooting efforts that have been applied. Declaring the system disabled is a necessary action to prevent any potential hazards that may arise from continued operation in a faulty state.

This is critical for ensuring safety, as operating with unresolved faults can lead to equipment failure, system malfunctions, or even dangerous situations. Ensuring that the system is disabled effectively minimizes the risk to personnel and equipment, allowing for further investigation and repairs to be conducted without the risk of exacerbating the issue.

In contrast, the other options suggest situations that would not be accurate if a fault remains unresolved. Indications that the system is functioning properly or safe for continued operation would imply that the fault has been addressed, which is not the case. Additionally, the idea that a safety loop will extinguish automatically does not address the need for proactive measures to be taken when faults remain, as this may give a false sense of security.