A fire has been reported in the ship's laundry room. As the senior engineer, you direct the team leader of the No.1 emergency squad to secure ventilation to the space. What would your next command be to the emergency team leader, before they can actually start extinguishing the fire?

Correct Answer: Option B — Have electrical power secured to the laundry room. A lock-out tag should be placed on the breaker or switch stating the circuit has been de-energized, to protect crew members from electrical shock.

Electrical safety is paramount in firefighting. Before applying water or other agents, de-energizing the space prevents electrocution of the firefighting team. Implementing a strict lock-out/tag-out procedure ensures that power cannot be accidentally restored while personnel are inside the compartment, adhering to standard safety protocols for machinery space fire response.