Operational maintenance is aimed at prolonging the useful life of the equipment.
Operational maintenance is a type of preventative maintenance used to extend equipment life and maximize performance. Includes many types of minor adjustments, cleaning, and inspections depending on the machine. While major repairs are normally carried out by trained technicians, operational maintenance is performed by the equipment operator himself during the normal course of operations. By training operators to handle these routine tasks, companies can help reduce downtime and lower the costs associated with repairs and replacement parts.
Basic diagnostics can be performed during routine operational maintenance of the car, but more detailed tests are not usually included.
This form of preventative maintenance can be performed in any environment where machines, equipment, or vehicles are used. This can include factories and factories as well as auto repair shops. In many commercial buildings, heating and cooling engineers perform operational maintenance on furnaces, boilers, and air conditioners.
Some operational maintenance responsibilities can be as simple as inspecting the machine for changes or problems. This allows the operator to spot a potential hazard such as loose fasteners or debris that could contribute to an accident. Basic cleaning, including removing debris or excess grease from a machine, is also considered part of operational maintenance.
Many companies that make air conditioners offer maintenance service plans.
Depending on the type of equipment in use, operators may also be responsible for replacing worn filters or cartridges, or removing and replacing a worn belt, cutting tool, or sharpening stone. Operational maintenance may involve keeping machinery well lubricated to reduce the risk of friction or failure. Many basic machine adjustments that are required during the course of operation also fall under this preventative maintenance category.
Operational maintenance on a car can include checking the brakes and brake lines.
Operational maintenance does not include more complex repairs and diagnostics, which are left to qualified technicians. For example, most electrical faults or failures are left to the professionals, not the operator. Removal and replacement of large or dangerous components are also excluded from operational maintenance.
Companies enjoy a number of benefits when they train equipment operators to handle basic maintenance tasks. As the primary user of the machine, the operator often knows the unique features and qualities of that machine better than anyone else and is better equipped to spot potential problems or changes. By keeping your machine clean and running smoothly, you can help reduce accidents and danger to yourself and others. Operational maintenance also reduces the likelihood of machine breakdown, helping to avoid delays. Finally, by teaching the operator how to handle basic tasks, the company can not only save money on repair bills, but also extend the life of the equipment to reduce replacement costs over time.