Preventative Maintenance in Construction
In construction, preventive maintenance is crucial to the success of any project. It helps to maintain the quality and workability of a construction site. If the industry is not maintained properly, it can lead to a delay in production and an increase in costs, which will eventually affect the profitability of the project. It is a proactive approach to preserving equipment, facilities, and systems. It involves periodic inspections, tests, servicing, and replacements to ensure that facilities, vehicles, and machinery function properly, safely, and efficiently. The goal of preventive maintenance is to prevent the failure of equipment before it actually occurs. There are four procedures that have been shown to be beneficial in maintaining the structure of a construction site.
Routine Inspection
Routine inspection is a service that most manufacturers offer — or you can use an independent contractor — to inspect your machine for its condition and safety features. For example, if you’re using a crane, it’s important to make sure that all of the cables are in good condition and working properly. Over time, a cable can fray and become frayed at the ends where it’s connected to the crane. A frayed cable will eventually break, which could result in serious injury or death if it breaks while someone is standing beneath it. Inspection of construction equipment will also help you identify any problems with your machinery before they become serious issues. If you notice that a piece of equipment is operating at a higher speed than normal, or if an alarm sounds when it should not, you should take immediate action. To avoid costly repairs or injuries, turn off the machine immediately and call your local service center for repairs or instructions on how to repair it.
Detection
A crucial aspect of a successful preventive maintenance program is the ability to detect potential problems before they cause major damage or down time. Once you identify potential problems during an inspection, it’s time for detection. You need to assess how big the problem really is and what kind of impact it has on your business operations and assets. The purpose of detection is to check systems or components after they have been installed to determine their condition and suitability for further service.
Correction
Once you detect the problem, it’s time to find a solution and correct it before it results in bigger issues down the line. This is often when repairs are done. Correction includes anything from lubrication and cleaning to replacing old components or repairing damaged ones. The sooner the problem is addressed, the less likely it is to cause major damage later on.
Prevention
After all of the problems have been corrected and fixed, a plan should be made to prevent these same problems from happening again in the future. This may involve training employees on how to properly handle certain situations or equipment in order to maintain their longevity and function properly for years to come. Ensure that all areas are properly covered with protective equipment such as tarps and padding to prevent damage from falling objects.