Final answer:
Preventive maintenance involves activities such as inspections, cleaning, and replacements to ensure the proper functioning and efficiency of equipment like air conditioners. It can help maintain various systems, prevent hazards, and is vital for proper resource management. Planning maintenance based on historical usage data is crucial for effective time management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic activities associated with preventive maintenance include regular inspections, cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, and the replacement of worn parts before they fail. For instance, in the context of maintaining air conditioning systems, preventive maintenance would involve cleaning the system, replacing filters, and checking for any potential issues that could lead to breakdowns or inefficiencies. It is important to note the historical usage data, such as the average time and standard deviation of past maintenance activities, to plan adequately for future interventions. In example of air conditioners, if a previous average service time was one hour with a standard deviation of one hour, and a sample of 70 units is expected to be serviced, then planning for 1.1 hours per technician may be somewhat risky. As preventive maintenance also plays a role in energy consumption, for activities that consume a lot of power like air conditioning, regular maintenance can ensure more efficient operation and potentially lower power consumption.
Furthermore, preventive maintenance is not only restricted to air conditioners but also extends to various public utilities and systems, like irrigation, street cleaning, fire protection systems, and more. These activities help maintain hygiene standards, prevent potential hazards, and ensure the longevity and efficiency of these systems.