A maintenance protocol is a list of tasks to be performed on a specific type of equipment. The methodology based on determining the tasks that make up the maintenance plan from the manufacturers' recommendations has some advantages, such as simplicity in determining them, but also significant drawbacks. There is a second methodology for creating a maintenance plan, which is based on the use of general maintenance protocols by type of equipment.

Maintenance Protocols

A maintenance protocol is a list of tasks to be performed on a specific type of equipment. The methodology based on determining the tasks that make up the maintenance plan from the manufacturers' recommendations has some advantages, such as simplicity in determining them, but also significant drawbacks. There is a second methodology for creating a maintenance plan, which is based on the use of general maintenance protocols by type of equipment.

In the maintenance protocol for a type of equipment, at least the following information should be included for each task:

• Specialty of the Work: The specific type of work required.
• Frequency: How often the task should be performed.
• Estimated Duration: The time expected to complete the task.
• Special Work Permit: Whether a special work permit is needed.
• Equipment Status: Whether the equipment needs to be stopped or can remain running during the task.

The first step in creating a maintenance protocol for a piece of equipment is to determine the set of tasks to be carried out on it.

The types of tasks that can be performed on equipment include:

• Sensory Inspections: Inspections carried out using senses, without the need for measurement instruments or additional technical means.
• Readings and Recording Operating Parameters: Using instruments installed on the equipment.
• Lubrication Tasks: Applying lubricants as needed.
• Mechanical Checks: Such as measuring clearances, alignment, thickness, bolt tightening, measuring instruments, control loops functionality, etc. These may require interventions to adjust parameters to preset values.
• Electrical Checks: Such as measuring current intensity, verifying grounding, checking emergency stops, verifying connections, etc.
• Analysis and Measurements of Variables with External Instruments: Such as vibration analyzers, thermography, oil analysis, etc.
• Cleanings: These can be simple or technically complex.
• Configuration: For programmable equipment or equipment that supports different operating modes.
• Verification of Measurement Equipment Functionality: Ensuring that measurement tools are working correctly.
• Calibration of Measuring Instruments: Adjusting instruments to ensure accuracy.
• Control Loop Check: Ensuring that control loops are functioning properly.
• Conditional Replacement or Refurbishment of Parts: Parts that are subject to or prone to wear.
• Systematic Replacement or Refurbishment of Parts: Parts that are subject to or prone to wear on a scheduled basis.

When creating the comprehensive list of tasks applicable to a piece of equipment that will make up the maintenance protocol for that type of equipment, it is advisable to verify which types of tasks mentioned are applicable to that equipment.

This ensures that the task list for each piece of equipment is complete and thorough, leaving nothing important out.

With EasyMaint, you can record your tasks and maintenance protocols.

Learn about EasyMaint software for asset maintenance management for all types of industries.