Before operating a chemical feed pump, what must the operator ensure?

To ensure the effective and safe operation of a chemical feed pump, the operator must confirm that the suction and discharge valves are open. This is crucial because the pump needs to draw chemical from the supply (suction side) and then move it to the intended location (discharge side). If these valves are closed, the pump will not be able to function properly, potentially leading to pump damage or operational failure.

In addition, having both valves open allows for the necessary flow of chemicals, which is essential for maintaining process integrity and ensuring that the correct amounts of chemicals are delivered into the system. Opening the valves also helps to prevent the creation of a vacuum or pressure build-up that could harm the pump and associated piping.

The other options would inhibit safe operation: closing the suction and discharge valves or having all hoses disconnected would prevent the pump from operating effectively, while turning off the power supply means the pump would not run at all. Therefore, ensuring that both the suction and discharge valves are open is a vital step for the operator before engaging the pump.