Deferred Maintenance Nightmares and How to Prevent It

Deferred maintenance, the practice of postponing necessary repairs, can have severe consequences for facilities. While budget constraints, resource limitations, or unforeseen breakdowns may necessitate deferral, it's essential to minimize this approach. Research indicates that every dollar deferred in maintenance can lead to a fourfold increase in future capital renewal costs.

The risks associated with deferred maintenance are multifaceted and can impact various aspects of a facility's operations. These risks include:

• Health and Safety Hazards: Neglecting repairs can create unsafe conditions for occupants, potentially leading to accidents and injuries.
• System Failures: Postponed maintenance can result in system breakdowns, disrupting operations and causing significant downtime.
• Decreased Productivity: Inefficient systems and equipment can hinder productivity and hinder overall business performance.
• Reduced Employee Morale: A poorly maintained facility can negatively impact employee morale and job satisfaction.
• Costly Emergency Repairs: Deferring maintenance often leads to urgent and expensive repairs, as problems escalate over time.
• Compliance Issues: Non-compliance with safety and regulatory standards can result in fines and legal liabilities.
• Reduced Efficiency: Inefficient systems and equipment waste energy and resources, increasing operational costs.
• Shortened Asset Lifespan: Neglecting maintenance accelerates the deterioration of assets, reducing their lifespan.

To break the cycle of deferred maintenance, facility managers should adopt a proactive approach:

1. Log Maintenance Activity: Create a comprehensive record of all maintenance tasks, both completed and pending. This log will provide a clear overview of the facility's maintenance needs.
2. Analyze and Prepare a PM Schedule: Analyze the maintenance log to identify recurring issues and develop a robust preventive maintenance (PM) schedule. A well-structured PM schedule will help proactively address potential problems before they escalate.
3. Put it to Practice: Implement the PM schedule and monitor its effectiveness. Regularly review and refine the schedule to ensure it aligns with the facility's evolving needs.

By prioritizing maintenance and addressing deferred items, facility managers can significantly improve the efficiency, safety, and overall performance of their facilities. This proactive approach not only reduces costs in the long run but also creates a more productive and sustainable environment for occupants and operations.

Originally posted on --> Facility Waste Management Blog | SLM Facility Solutions