The safety of personnel and the equipment as well as the performance of the equipment are the key points to keep in mind when making a decision to __________.

The decision-making process regarding whether to run equipment to failure or to shut down and perform maintenance is heavily influenced by the safety of personnel and equipment, as well as the performance of that equipment. When equipment is allowed to run until it fails, there may be immediate safety risks for employees due to potential accidents or injuries resulting from unforeseen equipment malfunctions. Additionally, running equipment to failure can lead to catastrophic damage not only to the machinery itself but also to other nearby equipment and the work environment, ultimately compromising safety and operational efficiency.

In contrast, choosing to shut down equipment for maintenance proactively allows operators to inspect, repair, and address any issues before they lead to significant failures. This approach prioritizes safety and ensures that equipment continues to operate at optimal performance levels, thus extending the equipment's lifespan and enhancing productivity.

While investing in new technologies, implementing new procedures, or increasing production rates are important decisions in their own right, they do not directly focus on the immediate safety implications and performance outcomes related to the maintenance strategy. The choice between running to failure and shutting down reflects a more critical and immediate assessment of safety and reliability in operations.