General Introduction

Each section described herein is an essential element of an effective maintenance program. The manner and extent to which it is applied, can vary significantly from one Generating Asset Owner's Maintenance Program to that of another.

It should be noted that "Maintenance" includes those actions that prevent structures, systems, and components from degrading or failing, and to restore intended functionality following failures. Therefore, maintenance includes not only the activities traditionally associated with identifying and correcting actual or potential degraded conditions (that is, repair, surveillance, and other preventive and predictive measures), but also extends to supporting functions for the conduct of these activities. Examples of these functions include operator identification of equipment performance and material condition deficiencies, engineering support of maintenance, some aspects of chemistry control, record keeping, document control, and training. These guidelines are directed at those actions performed primarily by mechanical, electrical, instrument, planning, scheduling and materials management functions. Generating Asset Owners should ensure that similar program guidance is developed and implemented by those functional organizations that support the larger concept of "Maintenance".

These guidelines have been provided to support Section 1, the Generation Maintenance Performance Standards & Assessment Guidelines and assist Generating Asset Owners in meeting the objectives of that section. It is intended they be used to review existing programs and make revisions as required, or to develop and implement new programs. The program guidelines reflect generally accepted methods for effectively conducting maintenance activities. Differences between practices described in the guidelines and those of the Generating Asset Owner should be assessed to determine if change is warranted. A change to practices would be appropriate if performance weaknesses exist.

These guidelines support Section 1, the Generation Maintenance Performance Standards & Assessment Guidelines. That document along with these guidelines should be useful to company managers and staff members responsible for maintenance. The CPUC will use the guidance contained herein when conducting audits of Generating Asset Owner programs.