Building a Preventative Maintenance Program: Where to Start and What to Include
- Mike Holloway
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Preventative maintenance is more than a checklist—it’s a strategy that protects your assets, reduces costly downtime, and extends the lifespan of your equipment. For businesses across Newfoundland & Labrador and Atlantic Canada, a well-structured preventative maintenance program is essential for safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.
If you’re considering implementing or improving a preventative maintenance program, here’s a practical guide to help you get started.
1. Assess Your Facility and Equipment
Begin by taking inventory of all critical assets.
List electrical systems, mechanical equipment, HVAC, and any specialized machinery.
Note the age, manufacturer, and maintenance history of each item.
Identify which assets are most critical to business continuity and safety.
Tip: Older infrastructure (20+ years) is especially vulnerable to hidden faults and should be prioritized.
2. Set Clear Goals and Expectations
Define what you want the program to achieve.
Reduce unplanned outages?
Meet insurance requirements?
Lower energy costs?
Improve safety and compliance?
Having clear goals will guide your maintenance priorities and help measure success.
3. Develop Maintenance Schedules
Establish how often each asset needs inspection or service.
Follow manufacturer recommendations and industry standards (e.g., annual infrared scans for electrical systems).
Consider the operational environment—high humidity, dust, or heavy use may require more frequent checks.
Schedule inspections to minimize disruption (off-peak hours, planned shutdowns).
4. Standardize Inspection and Reporting Procedures
Consistency is key for reliable results and compliance.
Use standardized checklists and reporting templates.
For electrical systems, ensure reports include thermographer credentials, equipment details, severity classifications, and actionable recommendations.
Reference industry standards such as NETA MTS 2023, CSA Z462, CSA Z463, and NFPA 70B.
5. Document Everything
Good documentation is the backbone of any maintenance program.
Keep records of all inspections, repairs, and recommendations.
Track recurring issues and completed actions.
Store documents in an organized, accessible system—digital is best for easy retrieval.
6. Train Your Team
Make sure everyone involved understands the procedures and the importance of preventative maintenance.
Provide training on safety protocols, equipment use, and reporting standards.
Encourage a culture of proactive problem-solving, not just reactive repairs.
7. Review, Audit, and Improve
A successful program is never static.
Schedule regular audits to evaluate effectiveness.
Analyze data for trends—are certain faults recurring? Are repairs reducing failures?
Adjust schedules, procedures, and goals as needed to keep improving.
8. Leverage Expert Support
Consider partnering with specialists for advanced assessments and compliance requirements, such as:
Thermal imaging inspections for early fault detection and insurance compliance
Power quality analysis for identifying harmonics and voltage fluctuations
Insulation resistance testing to assess the integrity of electrical insulation and prevent equipment failure
Contact resistance testing to detect high-resistance connections that can cause overheating and outages
Transformer oil analysis for evaluating transformer health and preventing catastrophic failures
Program consulting to design, implement, and audit preventative maintenance strategies
Professionals can provide detailed inspections, actionable reports, and help you stay compliant with insurance and regulatory standards. At Quantum Thermal Imaging Ltd., we offer custom preventative maintenance consulting and program development for businesses across Newfoundland & Labrador and Atlantic Canada.
Ready to Build or Upgrade Your Preventative Maintenance Program?
A preventative maintenance program isn’t just a cost—it’s an investment in your business’s reliability, safety, and bottom line. If you need help designing or implementing a tailored program, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Quantum Thermal Imaging Ltd.
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