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What is an essential step when changing a keg?

  1. Lift and shake the keg to mix contents

  2. Pull the handle outward and then up to disengage coupling

  3. Leave the old keg attached until the new one is fully engaged

  4. Pour out some beer before changing to avoid foaming

The correct answer is: Pull the handle outward and then up to disengage coupling

The essential step when changing a keg is to pull the handle outward and then up to disengage the coupling. This step is crucial because properly disengaging the keg coupling ensures that the connection to the draft system is safely and correctly made. If the coupling is not disengaged properly, it may lead to spills, wasted beer, or injury due to pressurized contents being released suddenly. While shaking the keg may seem like it could mix the contents, it is not necessary or recommended when changing a keg, as this could lead to unwanted foaming once the new keg is connected. Leaving the old keg attached until the new one is engaged might prevent unnecessary spills, but it can also create a problem if the old keg is not properly disconnected, which can lead to cross-contamination or other issues. Pouring out beer from the outgoing keg could mitigate foaming but is not a necessary step in the keg changing process. Properly disengaging the coupling is the most essential and straightforward step to ensure a smooth transition from the old keg to the new one.