BREAKDOWN MAINTENANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Breakdown maintenance refers to a type of maintenance strategy that focuses on repairing equipment or machinery after it has broken down or malfunctioned. This approach involves addressing and resolving issues only when they occur, rather than conducting preventive maintenance or scheduled inspections.
In breakdown maintenance, repairs are typically carried out urgently to restore the functionality of the equipment as quickly as possible. This type of maintenance is reactive rather than proactive, meaning that resources and efforts are only allocated when a breakdown occurs, rather than on a predetermined schedule. The main objective of breakdown maintenance is to minimize downtime and resume normal operations swiftly.
This maintenance strategy applies to various fields, ranging from industrial machinery to electronic devices, vehicles, or household equipment. However, it is more commonly employed in situations where the consequences of a breakdown are not severe or hazardous, and when the cost of preventive maintenance is perceived as higher than the potential costs of breakdowns.
While breakdown maintenance may be more cost-effective in certain instances, it can also lead to higher repair costs, reduced equipment lifespan, and unexpected downtime, especially in situations where the breakdowns occur frequently. Therefore, it is essential to assess the risks associated with this strategy and consider alternatives like preventive maintenance or predictive maintenance to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and reliability of the equipment.
Etymology of BREAKDOWN MAINTENANCE
The term "breakdown maintenance" combines two words: "breakdown" and "maintenance".
The word "breakdown" is derived from the Middle English word "breken" meaning "to break" and "doun" meaning "down". In this context, "breakdown" refers to the sudden failure or malfunctioning of a machine, equipment, or system.
The word "maintenance" comes from the Latin words "manus" meaning "hand" and "tenere" meaning "to hold". It originally referred to manually taking care of something. However, over time, "maintenance" has evolved to encompass a broader sense of preserving and ensuring the proper functioning of machines, systems, or structures.
Therefore, "breakdown maintenance" refers to the type of maintenance performed when a machine or system has experienced a sudden failure or breakdown. It involves repairing or restoring the equipment to its operational state after the failure has occurred.
