What is the first step needed to create a preventative maintenance program?

The first step in creating a preventative maintenance program involves gathering essential documentation, which includes obtaining all relevant drawings of the building's equipment. This step is critical because having access to detailed drawings provides maintenance personnel with valuable insights into the layout, function, and specifications of the equipment that requires maintenance. These drawings help in understanding the relationships between different components, identifying potential points of failure, and planning maintenance tasks effectively.

When equipped with this foundational information, maintenance staff can better assess the condition of equipment, make informed decisions about maintenance scheduling, and determine the necessary training requirements for effective upkeep. Starting with accurate and comprehensive drawings ensures that subsequent steps in the preventative maintenance program, such as inventorying the equipment and scheduling maintenance activities, are based on a solid understanding of the physical assets and their configurations.