What should you do if you find a discrepancy between the maintenance manual's instructions and observed equipment behavior?

• A. Do not proceed with the action; document the discrepancy and consult the supervisor or engineering to resolve before continuing
• B. Proceed but document nothing
• C. Change the manual to fit observed behavior
• D. Stop work and walk away

Answer: (A)

When you find a discrepancy between what the maintenance manual says and how the equipment actually behaves, safety and accuracy demand you pause and act through the proper channels. Stop the action, document the discrepancy in the maintenance record, and consult your supervisor or engineering to determine the correct course before continuing. This keeps a traceable record, prevents applying the wrong procedure, and ensures any fix comes from qualified personnel with the latest guidance. Proceeding without documentation can hide a real hazard or defect. Attempting to modify the manual yourself bypasses the formal change process and can introduce new risks. Simply stopping and walking away misses the opportunity to resolve the issue through the proper chain of command.