Which statement accurately summarizes the relationship between preventative and corrective maintenance?

• A. Preventative maintenance proactively prevents hazards; corrective maintenance addresses faults after detection with safety planning
• B. They are identical
• C. Preventative maintenance is optional
• D. Corrective maintenance should avoid safety planning

Answer: (A)

Preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance serve different purposes and happen at different times, which is the key idea here. Preventive maintenance is performed on a schedule to stop problems before they create hazards. It includes inspections, testing, lubrication, tightening connections, and replacing components before they fail, all with the goal of keeping systems safe and reliable.

Corrective maintenance happens after a fault or failure is detected. Once something is found to be defective, the work focuses on fixing or replacing it to restore safe operation. Safety planning is essential during this work to protect workers and the system—lockout/tagout, de-energizing equipment, using proper PPE, and following safe repair procedures are all part of doing the job safely after a fault is found.

That’s why this statement best captures the relationship: preventative maintenance proactively prevents hazards, while corrective maintenance addresses faults after detection with safety planning. The other ideas miss important distinctions—maintenance is not identical to preventive care, it isn’t optional, and safety planning should be part of the work rather than something to avoid.