T 2.5 Lack of, or inadequate, maintenance

Operability of the system used must be ensured on a continuing basis. Regular maintenance can enhance assurance of continuous service. Lack of, or insufficient maintenance can result in incalculable damage and late effects.

Examples:

• Due to a lack of maintenance, the batteries of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system are no longer sufficient (too little acid), and thus t he UPS system cannot ensure power supply for a sufficiently long period.

• Due to deficient maintenance, the pressure of fire extinguishers has dropped to a point where they no longer retain their fire-fighting effect.

• Overheating results in the failure of a laser printer because a ventilation grid has not been properly cleaned