Fix It Before It Fails: Troubleshooting Tips for Preventative Maintenance

Preventive maintenance (PM) is designed to reduce downtime and extend equipment lifespan, yet
common errors can lead to unexpected failures, safety risks, and costly repairs. Studies show that
human error contributes to nearly 70% of equipment failures in facilities and industrial settings.


Proper training and adherence to best practices can significantly  reduce these mistakes and improve
operational efficiency. Here are some common preventive maintenance errors and how to fix them.

Why Training is Essential for Error Reduction

Proper training ensures that maintenance teams understand best practices, recognize potential failures before they happen, and execute procedures correctly. Investing in continuous learning through immersive training programs improves efficiency, reduces downtime, and enhances workplace safety.

By focusing on proactive maintenance strategies and comprehensive training, organizations can minimize costly errors and maximize equipment reliability.

Error
Solution
We Have a Course For That
Technicians overlook scheduled inspections due to time constraints or lack of awareness.
  • Implement a tracking system to ensure maintenance inspections are completed.

  • Train your team to reinforce the importance of routine inspection.
Enroll in Interplay Learning's HVAC Maintenance" course to understand the critical checkpoints and procedures for effective inspections.
Using the wrong type or amount of lubricant leads to premature equipment failure.
  • Standardize procedures, label all lubrication points, and train on proper application techniques.
  • Review lubrication standards continuously to improve consistency.
Take the "Industrial Lubricants and Lubrication Introduction" course to learn about proper lubrication techniques and best practices.
Failure to calibrate machinery correctly results in performance inefficiencies.
  • Schedule routine calibration checks and provide step-by-step workshops for your team.
Participate in the "Troubleshooting Motors" course to gain hands-on experience with calibration tools and procedures.
Lack of proper documentation leads to missed maintenance steps and difficulty in diagnosing recurring issues.
  • Log all maintenance activities and provide training on detailed record-keeping.
  • Encourage ongoing documentation training to enhance compliance.
Practice logging maintenance steps with simulated checklists while taking any of Interplay’s preventive or seasonal maintenance courses.
Unusual noises, vibrations, or temperature changes are ignored until equipment failure occurs.
  • Train teams to recognize warning signs by integrating conditionmonitoring technologies.
Enroll in the "Centrifugal Pump Repair" course to learn how to explain and apply a systematic diagnostic process for pump failures.
Employees lack the necessary skills to execute maintenance tasks effectively.
  • Invest in hybrid training programs that combine digital learning, simulation-based training, and instructor-led workshops to enhance skill development.
Utilize Interplay Learning's career development platform to access a wide range of courses tailored to various maintenance disciplines, as well as our instructor-led training to ensure continuous skills development.