A maintenance manual states: 'Lubricate the bearing assembly only when audible friction is detected OR when cumulative operating hours exceed 500, whichever condition is met first — unless the unit is operating under load, in which case defer lubrication until the next scheduled shutdown.' A technician notices audible friction at 480 hours while the unit is under load. The next scheduled shutdown is in 12 hours. What is the correct course of action?
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A
Lubricate immediately, because audible friction is detected and the 500-hour rule is not yet triggered
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B
Defer lubrication until the scheduled shutdown 12 hours away
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C
Lubricate at exactly 500 hours regardless of load condition
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D
Shut down the unit immediately to allow lubrication