Which step is essential for ensuring equipment safety during the Pre-Departure Walk Around?

The essential step for ensuring equipment safety during the Pre-Departure Walk Around is securing the Diamond of Safety. This practice involves confirming that all safety protocols and equipment checks are accounted for before departure. The Diamond of Safety represents a comprehensive approach to ensuring that all safety measures are in place, which includes inspecting equipment functionality and readiness.

By securing the Diamond of Safety, personnel acknowledge that they have completed necessary inspections, ensuring that everything is operational and meets safety standards. This step is crucial for preventing accidents or equipment failures during flight, thereby maintaining the safety of crew, passengers, and aircraft.

Other activities, while important for various aspects of operational readiness, do not directly contribute to the immediate assessment of equipment safety in the same manner as securing the Diamond of Safety does.