Red Seal Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Practice Exam

Corrective maintenance is a type of maintenance that specifically targets equipment or system failures by addressing and fixing issues as they arise. This approach comes into play after a problem has occurred, for instance, when machinery breaks down or exhibits performance issues. The primary goal of corrective maintenance is to restore the equipment to operational status, ensuring minimal downtime and maintaining productivity.

Unlike preventive maintenance, which involves scheduled inspections and tasks designed to prevent failures, and predictive maintenance, which utilizes data and tools to anticipate and address potential failures before they occur, corrective maintenance does not implement strategies for prevention. Instead, it reacts to existing problems, making it essential in situations where immediate intervention is necessary.

Adaptive maintenance, on the other hand, involves modifications in response to changing requirements or improvements rather than simply fixing current issues, further distinguishing corrective maintenance's focus on immediate repair needs.