What must be ensured before operating a hand-operated switch?

Before operating a hand-operated switch, it is crucial to ensure that the points fit properly. This means that the switch is aligned correctly and that the blades are making proper contact with the rail. Properly fitted points are essential for safe train movement; if the points do not align correctly, the train could derail or continue on the wrong track, leading to dangerous situations.

In contrast, while tagging the switch is important for safety management to prevent unauthorized use, and ensuring that a switch is not activated by a machine is relevant to understanding its operational status, those factors do not directly address the operational integrity of the switch itself as fitting points do. The mention of a broken target is not relevant to the operational criteria; it pertains more to visual signaling and indication of the switch status, which is separate from the physical condition necessary for safe operations.