Which statement best describes preventive maintenance objectives?

• A. Durability, reliability, efficiency, and safety are the principal objectives of preventive maintenance.
• B. Only repairing equipment after failures.
• C. Increasing energy use.
• D. Documentation without inspection.

Answer: (A)

Preventive maintenance is about keeping equipment performing well by preventing problems before they happen, aiming to extend life, ensure consistent operation, and protect people and the facility. The statement that lists durability, reliability, efficiency, and safety as the main objectives reflects this proactive approach. Durability means maximizing component life and resisting wear; reliability is about reducing unexpected failures and downtime; efficiency covers maintaining optimal performance and energy use; safety focuses on minimizing risks to occupants and operations. Together, these elements describe the forward-looking goals of PM: maintain asset value, prevent interruptions, optimize performance, and keep the system safe.

The other options describe approaches not aligned with preventive maintenance. Repairing after failures is reactive maintenance, not preventive. Increasing energy use runs contrary to efficiency goals. Documentation without inspection lacks the action component that actually preserves performance and safety.