What must the registered firm do if impairments are found?

When impairments are found, the appropriate action for the registered firm is to notify the owner or the owner's representative immediately. This is crucial because timely communication ensures that the owner is aware of any issues that could compromise safety or emergency response capabilities. The owner can then take necessary steps to address the impairments, such as arranging for repairs or replacements. This prompt reporting is essential to maintain compliance with safety regulations and standards, ensuring that any risks associated with the impairment are mitigated quickly.

In the context of the other choices, while notifying local authorities or submitting reports to insurance companies can be important in certain scenarios, they are not the immediate responsibilities when an impairment is detected. Additionally, simply removing the equipment from service without informing the owner may lead to confusion and a lack of proper action, which is why immediate notification to the owner or their representative holds precedence.