Question:

(a) Many organizations consider the maintenance function as a critical operational and decision making area that can guarantee plant availability and reliability. A Cost Effective Maintenance program ensures longer plant life span as well as promotes safe working environment for all stakeholders. Discuss the key stages in the setting up a maintenance program in an organization.

(b) Many practitioners agree that maintenance activities involve risks since a number of defects including equipment malfunction, explosion and fire originate during such activity. Briefly elaborate on key success factors in the prevention of risks during maintenance operations.