IMPACT OF A PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOR HVAC SYSTEMS IN HOSPITALS: A CASE STUDY OF KITWE CENTRAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

he purpose of the research was to assess the benefits that come with implementing a preventive maintenance system in the hospital heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The run-to-failure maintenance strategy of the HVAC system practiced at Kitwe central hospital affected the quality of health operations considering the increase in demand due to population growth. The researchers set objectives focusing on minimizing downtime to sustain the reliability of the equipment, lowering utility costs and greatening comfort for the building’s occupants. Initially, the types of HVAC equipment at the hospital were identified and an inventory list was developed. The Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of the equipment was then established together with the lead times of the inventory items. Finally, the design of a replacement program based on the gathered data was developed. With the implementation of the preventive maintenance program, the benefits of the research came doubled folded; the reliability of the HVAC equipment increased and high utility costs which were incurred due to the frequent breakdowns and poor utilization of machines and employees reduced significantly. The researchers recommend the preventive maintenance for the HVAC system not only to Kitwe hospital but to other hospital for operations enhancement in promotion of good health