Levels of Maintenance

Industrial maintenance refers to the process or series of activities aimed at decreasing downtime,  increasing uptime, increasing reliability and increasing equipment lifetimes. These maybe as simple as changing a light bulb or as complex as dealing with equipment circuitry in a modern turbocor chiller. Depending on the degree of difficulty, maintenance can be broadly classified into 5 levels. 

Level 1

Simple activities that require no skilled labour force or special equipment are classified as level 1 maintenance. This involves simple chores such as daily lubrication activities, equipment condition monitoring, replacement of light fittings, etc.

Level 2

Simple procedural activities that require skilled labour fall under level 2 maintenance. This involves maintenance exercises such as replacement of belts, fuses, air filters in AHUs, minor optimisation such as changing modes and settings, monthly lubrication, etc.

Level 3

Complex procedural activities that require specialists and detailed diagnosis fall under the scope of level 3 maintenance. This involves activities such as refrigerant leak repair in hvac systems, replacement of more critical components such as bearings, gears, etc.

Level 4

Maintenance activities categorised as level 4 are of particularly high significance. They require skilled labour and use of specific techniques as well as equipment. Technicians taking part in such activities usually require official certifications. Examples of level 4 maintenance activities are compressor valve replacement,  pump overhauls, etc.

Level 5

Activities that require highly complex technical know-how come under the scheme of level 5 maintenance. Level 5 maintenance is usually carried out by the equipment manufacturer or a specialist company. Level 5 maintenance usually involves dismantling existing equipment.