Routine maintenance is important in keeping machinery and the work environment safe. Implementing a maintenance program ensures the efficient operation of equipment and machinery. When performing preventive maintenance tasks such as inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and minor adjustments, problems can be detected and corrected before they
become major issues and cause a production shutdown. Inadequate maintenance can result in accidents, illnesses, and injuries.
Discussion Points:
• What is preventive maintenance?
• What does OSHA require a preventive maintenance program include?
• When is preventive maintenance performed?
• What tasks are performed as part of the preventive maintenance program?
• What are some benefits of having a preventive maintenance program?
Discussion:
OSHA requires companies to have a preventive maintenance program, a comprehensive program that includes management support, employee involvement, team communication, hazard identification, scheduled maintenance, and training. Preventive-maintenance standards are found throughout OSHA regulations and apply to the workplace or are industry specific. A company’s maintenance process must be to the company’s policies, safety, and regulatory
compliance requirements. Most of these requirements can be met with preventive maintenance strategies.
Preventive maintenance is the care and protection of tools, equipment, machines, and vehicles. Also referred to as routine or scheduled maintenance, preventive maintenance is implemented on a fixed schedule and is intended to prevent failure from occurring with a well-defined regular maintenance plan. The plan consists of maintenance tasks scheduled on a time or usage routine and includes activities such as inspecting, repairing, and replacing. Routine safety
inspections help maintenance workers keep machinery in top working condition, limiting downtime, extending equipment life, and increasing productivity. Preventive maintenance may happen daily, weekly, or monthly; it’s essential for sustaining
reliable operation of machinery, productivity, regulatory compliance, warranty coverage, and maintaining a safe and healthful workplace. Equipment failure can result from worn or damaged parts, putting workers at risk of hazardous conditions. When preventive maintenance and adequate safety precautions are implemented, the risk of injury decreases, workers feel less fear performing job tasks, and costly shutdowns are prevented.
As always, stay safe out there!
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