PLANT MAINTENANCE.

Too often, maintenance is thought to mean only repair. More properly, it means preventive care, or taking care of plant facilities and equipment on a regularly scheduled basis, before problems can develop through neglect or oversight. Because the maintenance program is so closely related to safety, the plant engineer, maintenance superintendent, and the safety professional must work closely together to assure that such periodical inspections are conducted with safety utmost in the minds of all involved. Proper maintenance programs must provide for monitoring equipment and conditions that contribute to risks. Personnel must be trained, all areas must be included, and accurate recordkeeping systems must be established. The article discusses effective maintenance programs, including maintenance crews, training, inspection checklists, protective equipment, and more. .