CWEA Maintenance Technologist Practice Test

In maintenance, what constitutes a preventative task?

1. Conducting repairs as needed

2. Regularly checking equipment performance

3. Upgrading machinery for better efficiency

4. Documenting past failures

The correct answer is: Regularly checking equipment performance

The essence of a preventative task in maintenance involves actions taken to prevent equipment failure and ensure smooth operation. Regularly checking equipment performance is a proactive approach, as it allows maintenance personnel to identify potential issues before they escalate into significant problems. By routinely monitoring the performance of equipment, technicians can spot irregularities or wear-and-tear that might lead to malfunction and address them before they ultimately result in downtime or costly repairs. This preventative strategy is vastly different from conducting repairs as needed, which is reactive – it addresses problems after they occur. Upgrading machinery for better efficiency is more of an enhancement or capital improvement instead of routine maintenance work. Documenting past failures, while vital for record-keeping and analysis, does not actively contribute to preventing future issues. This makes regularly checking equipment performance the most fitting choice for a preventative maintenance task.