The aim of an equipment maintenance policy is to maintain all equipment (plant – machinery, devices and appliances) owned by an organisation in the best possible condition.
This is essential, as poor or inadequate maintenance is often a factor in serious accidents.
Guidelines for drafting a policy
Your policy need not be a complicated or lengthy document, depending on the type of work you carry out. Issues it should cover include:
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schedules and frequency for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of plant should be in accordance with the manufacturer’s manual or other such documentation, or with procedures recommended by a competent designer, manufacturer, or supplier
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the necessary facilities or systems of work must be provided for the safety of maintenance personnel
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damaged plant should be listed, including dates and other relevant details for repair, inspection, and testing
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maintenance staff must follow safe work practices
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controls for safe maintenance, cleaning, and repair should be documented, including plant to be stopped and isolated and devices, controls, or safe systems of work used to safeguard maintenance personnel
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records should be kept of maintenance performed
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there should be system for reporting faulty or damaged equipment, e.g. Hazard Report Form
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senior management and supervisors must be made aware of commonly occurring equipment and machinery faults.
