What does a "caution" in maintenance documentation typically indicate?

In maintenance documentation, a "caution" is used to indicate a situation that requires attention but is not deemed critical enough to halt operations. It's meant to alert users to potential issues that could lead to damage or degradation of equipment if not addressed. This could mean that while the equipment may still operate, ignoring the caution could lead to further complications or failures down the line.

This interpretation aligns closely with the nature of a caution signal, which serves as a precaution to prevent situations from escalating. It does not indicate minor issues that can be ignored, nor does it serve as a direct warning about safety hazards or suggest best practices. Instead, it advises care when dealing with equipment to avoid damage or performance loss.