To clarify a little, (and I don't mean to SPEAK for anyone but I see a little communication issue here) in the water/pumping industry it is not uncommon to refer to "alarm" systems as "safeties". It refers to the "safety" of the system, NOT the safety of personnel.
I try to stay away from that terminology in the systems I build to try to avoid the exact communication issue that seems to be happening here.
I WHOLE-HEARTEDLY agree that "personal safety" devices or systems should never be bypassed or disabled. But with a pump station, it is common protocol to have the "HAND" selection of the "HAND-OFF-AUTO" switch wired so that it runs the pump without using the PLC at all. Therefore, the equipment "safeties" go out the window.
I don't necessarily agree with doing that from across town where you can't hear the grinding equipment, see the spray, and smell the smoke.... It is TYPICALLY reserved for "attended" operation. But at ANY rate it doesn't mean you are putting PEOPLE at risk, only your equipment.
Stationmaster