OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Define repair and maintenance.
- List and describe three types of maintenance.
- Describe the importance of maintenance.
- How to initiate reporting an R&M problem.
- Demonstrate the filling of the repair and maintenance book.
- Demonstrate the maintenance of fire vehicles and equipment.
- Describe key points taken for the maintenance of the water tank.
- List the basic requirements for properly storing the various equipment.
31.1. Repair and Maintenance:
31.1.1 Repair:
Repair is the act of correcting, fixing, or replacing components of an object to make it function properly.
31.1.2 Maintenance:
All actions that have the objective of retaining or restoring an item, equipment, or a machine to a state in which it can perform its required function.
31.2. Types of Maintenance:
Generally, there are three types of maintenance:
- Preventive Maintenance.
- Operational Maintenance.
- Corrective Maintenance.
31.2.1 Preventive Maintenance:
Preventive Maintenance is maintenance performed in an attempt to avoid failures, unnecessary production loss, and safety violations. In this maintenance, equipment is maintained before breakdown occurs. It is effective in preventing equipment failure. 80% of routine maintenance (i.e., Cleaning, inspection, oiling, re-tightening, etc.) is included in this type.
31.2.2 Operational Maintenance:
Where equipment is maintained in use (during operation).
31.2.3 Corrective Maintenance:
The maintenance which is required when equipment has failed, worn out, or broken down, to bring it back to its working order. The cost of this maintenance is much greater than preventive maintenance because worn equipment can damage other parts and cause multiple damages.
31.3 Importance of Maintenance:
- Proper maintenance of equipment and vehicles will help to minimize problems.
- Maintenance of equipment and vehicles is necessary to keep them running smoothly.
- Regular maintenance is essential to keep equipment, machines, and workplaces safe and reliable.
- Proper maintenance of equipment helps us to eliminate workplace hazards.
- Lack of maintenance or inadequate maintenance can lead to dangerous situations, accidents, and health problems.
- Maintenance of equipment and vehicles is a high-risk activity, so it has to be performed in a safe way.
31.4. Reporting an R&M problem:
- Perform daily routine handing over and taking over.
- Watch for any problem or difference from the normal routine.
- In case of any problem indicated, document and report to the R&M wing and immediate senior.
- Pursue and follow up on the R&M process with the R&M wing or relevant persons.
- Keep the documentation complete and updated, including complaint form, previous work detail, maintenance book, log book, etc.
31.5. Filing of Repair and Maintenance Form, Log Book, Maintenance Book:
See and read the R&M form, log book, and maintenance book (attached) carefully and fill them with the help of the instructor’s instructions.
31.6. How to do Maintenance of Fire Vehicle & Equipment:
6.1 Fire Vehicle Maintenance:
There are some basic items in your vehicle that should be regularly checked on a daily basis. Such as Air filters, Batteries, Brackets, Oil filters, Lights, Fuel gauges, Belts, Engine oil, Tires, Brake oil, Water level in the radiator,r etc.
31.6.2 Maintenance of Fire Vehicle Equipment:
There is some fire vehicle equipment that are used in fire operations. These tools must be checked daily i.e. nozzles, crow bar, strainers, fire extinguishers, fire man axe, SCBA, breakers (dividing, collecting), fireman hook, bolt/wire cutters, hoses etc.
Note: All types of valves fabricated on fire vehicles must be operated at least once a day.
31.7. Maintenance of Water Tank:
- Always clean water should be filled in the water tank.
- Periodic monthly inspections should be for cleaning and checking rust.
- Inspect baffle plate connections.
- Remove any blockage in water distribution connections.
- Re-painting water tank if required in case of rust present in it.
31.8. Organizing & Storing Equipment:
- Have an inventory of all equipment before storing.
- Do not store any muddy equipment and clean it before storing it.
- Have the equipment boxes named and place a copy of the inventory on each equipment box.
- Make a list of equipment and label in your vehicle.
Emma Lee, an expert in fire safety with years of firefighting and Rescuer experience, writes to educate on arescuer.com, sharing life-saving tips and insights.