What are Preventive Maintenance Examples?
Preventive maintenance refers to the act of regularly cleaning, repairing, inspecting, and performing replacements on equipment or machinery in order to prevent unexpected breakdowns or failures. Some of the most common examples and types of preventive maintenance can be seen in the fields of manufacturing, transport, construction, and hospitality.
Benefits of Preventive Maintenace
Performing regular preventive maintenance and planning for it have several benefits, including:
- Increased efficiency: Preventive maintenance ensures that equipment and systems are operating at optimal levels, reducing the risk of breakdowns and downtime, costs, and risks, all while increasing workplace productivity.
- Improved safety and compliance: Conducting regular preventive maintenance can identify potential safety hazards and ensure that equipment is compliant with regulatory requirements.
- Extended lifespan of equipment: In addition to improved safety, preventive maintenance can also extend the lifespan of equipment, reducing the need for replacement and the associated costs.
Examples of Preventive Maintenance
The most well-known acts of preventive maintenance often involve performing inspections, clearing equipment, parts, and workspaces, replacing broken or worn-out items, and repairing them if needed.
Some specific examples of preventive maintenance can be categorized into the following:
Manufacturing
Preventive maintenance tasks are often associated with equipment and machinery that are used in manufacturing. Some examples of these are”
- Conveyor belt maintenance: This involves regularly inspecting the machine and conveyor belts for wear and tear, lubricating the moving parts, and replacing any worn-out or damaged components to prevent breakdowns.
- Robot maintenance: Common maintenance tasks related to robot operations include checking their mechanical joints, inspecting theirinternal and external motor and sensors, lubricating their moving parts, and replacing any worn-out or damaged parts to ensure they operate efficiently.
Transport
Cars, trucks, planes, and other modes of transport are also known to require preventive maintenance in order to remain in good working order. Some of the most common preventive maintenance examples associated with them include:
- Replacing and maintaining break pads
- Inspecting engine status before and after travel
- Having gases and other fluids inspected or changed regularly
- Keeping track of consumed mileage so as not to overwork the mode of transport
Hospitality
The hospitality industry covers a wide range of occupations and workplaces, such as kitchens, restaurants, hotels, and more. Many of the preventive maintenance examples seen in the construction category are also seen here. Other common examples relate to:
- Kitchen equipment maintenance: Regular maintenance of kitchen equipment such as ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers involves cleaning and sanitizing the equipment, checking for leaks, and replacing any worn-out or damaged parts to prevent breakdowns and ensure the equipment is safe to use.
- Restaurant seating area: Furniture like chairs, tables, and couches also need preventive maintenance. As multiple customers often use them, assessing their conditions before and after use to ensure that they are in good and safe working condition is important.
- HVAC maintenance: When it comes to maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, common preventative maintenance examples associated with them include inspecting and cleaning the filters, checking for leaks and refrigerant levels, and replacing any worn-out or damaged components to ensure a smooth operation that will provide a comfortable environment for guests.
Construction
Building construction and maintenance are also important preventive maintenance examples. This includes inspecting the building’s structure, plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC systems for any signs of wear and tear. Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and ensure the building remains safe and functional.
Heavy equipment also need to be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent any breakages and safety risks. Regular maintenance of heavy equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators involves checking the hydraulic systems, engine oil, brakes, and other components to prevent breakdowns and ensure efficient operation.
