Let’s be real; your equipment is the backbone of your industrial business. Whether it’s the conveyor belt moving products in your plant or the important machines running your healthcare operations, you rely on them daily. Neglecting their maintenance can lead to unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and downtime. And no one wants that, right?

But how do you keep your equipment running smoothly? 

“A checklist is a great way of dealing with ambiguity, uncertainty, and complexity, especially when you don’t have the time or resources to rely on memory or intuition alone.” David Allen, the author of Getting Things Done

An equipment maintenance checklist can help you complete every important check and task necessary to maintain your equipment. At EquipMate, we have a team of industry experts who helped us compile a detailed checklist to keep your operations successful despite the industry's constant demands.

Why Equipment Maintenance Checklist Matters

Regular maintenance isn’t just a routine task but an important strategy for business success to prevent equipment breakdown. Here’s why maintenance matters for any industrial business: 

Implement Preventive Maintenance

A checklist helps you catch potential issues before they become expensive problems, so you don’t have to wait for something to break down. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, predictive maintenance, a component of preventive strategies, can boost your equipment uptime and availability by 10% to 20%. 

Improve Safety

“Did you know, According to Work Safety, In 2022, injuries from contact with objects and equipment were the third highest cause of work-related deaths, causing 738 facilities?”

That’s why the checklist is important to protect workers and equipment. With a checklist, you can ensure everything runs smoothly and protect your team and your equipment from unexpected accidents.

Control Cost

Emergency equipment repairs and replacements can be quite expensive. However, going through each maintenance step daily can save substantial cost savings over time by avoiding major repairs and increasing energy efficiency.

For example, if you can increase a pump's average time between failures from 12 months to 18 months, it could save you about $1,667 each year. 

Improve Efficiency & Productivity

A well-maintained machine is a productive one. When everything is in top condition, downtime drops, and your operations continue without a hitch. According to the latest stats, using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) can improve productivity by 74% and reduce downtime by 58%.  

Extend Equipment Lifespan

Keeping up with regular maintenance using a checklist can significantly prolong the life of your equipment. You can catch and resolve minor issues before they escalate and save costly repairs and premature replacements.

Detailed Equipment Maintenance Checklist

Let’s have a look at the equipment maintenance checklist you can use while maintaining your equipment.

Download Printable Checklist 



Download Printable Checklist 

1. Visual Inspection

Inspect the equipment for cracks, dents, and corrosion to catch potential issues early. Check all the safety features and stability of frames to prevent accidents during operation.

 

• General Condition: Look for any cracks, dents, corrosion, or signs of wear on the equipment.
• Safety Features: Make sure safety guards are secure, emergency stops work, and warning labels are easy to see.
• Structural Components: Check the frame for stability and tighten any loose bolts.
  
  

2. Lubrication and Fluid Checks

Effective lubrication and fluid maintenance are important to minimize friction and prevent wear on moving parts. Verify hydraulic fluid levels, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.

 

Lubrication

• Lubricate all moving parts (bearings, chains, gears).
• Check lubricant levels and viscosity (oil, grease).
• Inspect lubrication points for blockages or wear.

 

Fluid Levels

• Check hydraulic fluid levels.
• Inspect coolant levels and concentration.
• Verify brake fluid and transmission fluid levels.

 

Fluid Quality

• Inspect fluids for contamination (debris, discoloration).
• Change oil and filters as per schedule.
• Check the condition of the coolant (pH level, freeze point).
  
  

3. Electrical System Inspection

Any electrical system fault can lead to serious disruptions. To avoid hazards, inspect wiring and test circuit breakers and control panels.

 

Wiring and Connections

• Look for any frayed or damaged wires.
• Ensure connections at junction boxes are tight.
• Ensure all grounding connections are solid.

 

Electrical Components

• Test circuit breakers and fuses for functionality.
• Inspect control panels for signs of wear or damage.
• Check battery condition (charge, corrosion).

 

Operational Testing

• Test electrical systems under load.
• Verify sensor functionality and response times.
• Ensure indicators and displays are working correctly.
  
  

4. Calibration and Alignment

Regularly calibrate to measure instruments and inspect the alignment of shafts, belts, and chains to prevent excessive wear. Once you’ve made the adjustments, run the equipment to confirm everything's working efficiently and accurately.

 

Calibration

• Check and calibrate measuring instruments (gauges, sensors).
• Verify that control settings are accurate.
• Record calibration data for future reference.

 

Alignment

• Inspect the alignment of shafts, pulleys, belts, etc.
• Adjust tension on belts and chains.
• Check for misalignment in rotating parts.

 

Operational Testing

• Run equipment to verify operational parameters.
• Monitor for vibration or noise during operation.
• Test speed settings against manufacturer specifications.
  
  

5. Safety System Checks

Regularly test your emergency stems, like stop buttons and dire extinguishers, to ensure they're ready to work when needed. Check your protective equipment (PPE) and conduct frequent safety drills to prepare your team for real-time emergencies. 

 

Emergency Systems

• Test emergency stop buttons and mechanisms.
• Inspect fire extinguishers and verify they are charged.
• Ensure that safety barriers are intact.

 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Check the availability of PPE for operators (gloves, helmets).
• Ensure PPE is in good shape and stored safely.

 

Emergency Procedures

• Review emergency procedures with your staff.
• Run safety drills for things like fires or equipment breakdowns.
• Update emergency contact information.
  
  

6. Cleaning and Housekeeping

Regular cleaning helps prevent debris buildup that can impact performance. A tidy workspace also lowers the risk of slips, trips, and falls. 

 

Equipment Cleaning

• Clean equipment surfaces to remove dirt and debris.
• Clean air filters, vents, and cooling fins.
• Remove any build-up around moving parts.

 

Workspace Organization

• Organize tools and maintenance equipment.
• Dispose of waste materials properly.

 

Safety Checks

• Ensure proper lighting in the work area.
• Check the accessibility of fire exits.
  
  

7. Component Wear and Tear

Regularly check belts, chains, and gears to catch any early signs of damage. Look for leaks in seals and check the performance of hydraulic cylinders and pumps to keep everything running smoothly.

 

Wear Inspection

• Inspect belts for cracks or fraying.
• Check chains for wear and lubrication.
• Examine gears and sprockets for signs of damage.

 

Seal and Gasket Checks

• Replace any damaged or worn seals immediately.
• Check the integrity of pressure seals.
  
  

8. Performance Monitoring

Track metrics such as power consumption to identify potential issues. Conduct performance tests and log these metrics for informed maintenance decisions.

 

Operational Metrics

• Monitor power consumption and efficiency.
• Check operating temperature and pressure levels.

 

Performance Testing

• Test equipment speed and output.
• Verify load capacities meet manufacturer specs.

 

Data Logging

• Log all performance metrics for analysis.
• Record any deviations from normal operation.
  
  

9. Environmental and Seasonal Adjustments

Regular checks ensure machinery can handle temperature extremes and other environmental factors. Verify ventilation and exhaust systems to operate efficiently throughout seasonal changes.

 

• Make sure equipment can handle extreme temperatures.
• Check ventilation and exhaust systems.
• Test your equipment in seasonal conditions.
  
  

10. Spare Parts Inventory

Maintain a well-stocked inventory of spare parts to minimize downtime during repairs. Regularly check that you have all the necessary parts, review supplier agreements for quick access, and organize your maintenance tools for efficiency. 

 

Inventory Check

• Ensure critical spare parts are in stock.
• Check the condition of stored spare parts.
• Organize maintenance tools for easy access.
• Evaluate suppliers and alternative suppliers for reliability.
  
  

11. Documentation and Record-Keeping

Track performance metrics to analyze trends and identify areas for improvement. Updated safety inspection records are crucial for regulatory compliance and audit readiness.

 

• Document all maintenance activities and findings.
• Record parts replaced and repair dates.
• Track equipment performance metrics over time.
• Maintain calibration records for instruments.
• Keep records of safety inspections and audits.
  
  

12. Scheduled Preventive Maintenance

A regular maintenance program is crucial for minimizing unexpected breakdowns and extending equipment lifespan. It is essential to follow the maintenance schedule and manufacturer guidelines. After maintenance, review to ensure all tasks were completed thoroughly for accountability.

 

Routine Inspections

• Follow a preventive maintenance schedule for each piece of equipment.
• Set reminders for upcoming maintenance tasks.
• Review and adjust maintenance schedules based on usage.

 

Manufacturer Guidelines

• Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance procedures.
• Schedule professional servicing as required.
• Update maintenance records according to manufacturer specifications.

 

Post-Maintenance Review

• Conduct a post-maintenance check to verify all tasks are completed.
• Review any issues discovered during maintenance.
• Schedule any follow-up actions needed.
  
  

Make Equipment Maintenance Efficient with EquipMate

Maintaining equipment is not just a task; it’s a critical investment in safety, efficiency, and cost savings. The checklist is helpful in such a scenario but not an ultimate solution. But worry not! EquipMate makes equipment maintenance easy and efficient. With its advanced features, you can reduce 50% downtime and save 40% on maintenance costs. 

EquipMate automates key tasks, ensures timely maintenance, and improves efficiency, giving you complete control over your operations. Start your free trial today!