Maintenance procedures and techniques

Maintenance Schedule Creation

Identify the equipment and systems to be maintained, noting their service history and current condition.
Comprehend maintenance manuals and guidelines provided by manufacturers, as they often list suggested maintenance tasks and frequencies.
Establish a prediction of the lifespan of equipment based on its operating conditions and usage, to plan appropriate maintenance tasks.
Recognise the critical components that might lead to system failure if left unattended, and plan for their regular inspection and maintenance.
Comparing performance trends and historical data with similar equipment can help estimate the pattern of wear-and-tear to tailor a suitable maintenance routine.

Always turn off the machine before starting the maintenance process to ensure safety. Disconnect it from the power source if necessary.
Clean the equipment thoroughly to remove grime, dust, or any build-ups. Dirt can impair a machine’s function and potentially cause more serious issues.
Conduct inspections visually or with equipment like probes or scanners to identify potential problems like rusting, loose parts, or leaks.
Regularly check the lubrication of machines to reduce friction and wear. Add or change oils or other lubricants as directed in the manufacturer’s guidance.
Replace components that are worn out or on the verge of failing. Early replacement can prevent more serious equipment breakdowns.

All maintenance actions must be recorded systematically with dates, descriptions of tasks performed, and the condition of the equipment for future references.
Report noticed anomalies and their corresponding actions in maintenance logs to track the patterns of machine behaviour over time.
Store records of replaced parts including their model numbers, manufacturers, and dates of installation for extensive equipment history.
Submit detailed reports after each inspection or maintenance activity, sharing findings and recommendations with appropriate management or oversight bodies.
Evaluate effectiveness of maintenance procedures over time by comparing equipment performance before and after maintenance, and adjust practices as needed.

Always run a post-maintenance check to ensure the equipment is working properly and no further issues have been unintentionally induced during maintenance.
Train employees on appropriate post-maintenance clean-up procedures to ensure a safe and tidy work environment.
Ensure that all the safety guards and related protective components are re-installed and working properly, after the maintenance work is completed.
Review and analyse the maintenance results to determine if further action or modifications to the maintenance plan are necessary.
Revisit and revise the maintenance schedule if the condition of equipment severely deviates from the expected norm after a certain maintenance procedure.