ASHE Maintenance and Operations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of maintenance work order is generated automatically by a CMMS based on a predetermined schedule?
- Corrective work order
- Emergency work order
- Planned preventive maintenance work order (Correct answer)
- Standing work order
Correct answer: Planned preventive maintenance work order
Planned preventive maintenance work orders are auto-generated by the CMMS based on time intervals or meter readings established in the PM program.
Question 2: What is 'Reliability-Centered Maintenance' (RCM) primarily designed to accomplish?
- Reduce maintenance staff headcount
- Identify the most effective maintenance approach for each asset based on failure consequences (Correct answer)
- Standardize all PM intervals to annual frequency
- Eliminate corrective maintenance entirely
Correct answer: Identify the most effective maintenance approach for each asset based on failure consequences
RCM analyzes each asset's failure modes and consequences to determine the most appropriate and cost-effective maintenance strategy.
Question 3: A hospital's domestic hot water system must be maintained at what minimum temperature at the point of use to prevent Legionella growth?
- 100°F (38°C)
- 110°F (43°C)
- 120°F (49°C) (Correct answer)
- 140°F (60°C)
Correct answer: 120°F (49°C)
ASHRAE 188 recommends maintaining hot water at or above 120°F (49°C) at points of use to inhibit Legionella proliferation.
Question 4: Under The Joint Commission's Environment of Care standards, which of the following requires a written risk assessment before maintenance activities begin?
- Routine filter changes in AHUs
- Construction and renovation projects affecting infection control (Correct answer)
- Monthly fire extinguisher inspections
- Annual boiler maintenance shutdowns
Correct answer: Construction and renovation projects affecting infection control
TJC requires an Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) before any construction or renovation activities that could spread dust and pathogens to patient areas.
Question 5: What is the recommended water temperature for chilled water systems to prevent microbial growth while maintaining cooling efficiency?
- 35–40°F (2–4°C)
- 42–48°F (6–9°C) (Correct answer)
- 50–55°F (10–13°C)
- 58–65°F (14–18°C)
Correct answer: 42–48°F (6–9°C)
Chilled water supply temperatures in the range of 42–48°F (6–9°C) are standard for cooling coil efficiency while inhibiting microbial growth.
Question 6: Which document defines the maintenance requirements for medical gas and vacuum systems in healthcare facilities?
- NFPA 70
- NFPA 99 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 101
- ASHRAE 170
Correct answer: NFPA 99
NFPA 99, the Health Care Facilities Code, establishes design, installation, and maintenance requirements for medical gas and vacuum systems.
Question 7: A maintenance technician notices a significant increase in vibration levels from a pump motor. What predictive maintenance technique would best identify the root cause?
- Thermographic imaging
- Vibration analysis (Correct answer)
- Oil analysis
- Ultrasonic testing
Correct answer: Vibration analysis
Vibration analysis detects mechanical faults such as imbalance, misalignment, bearing wear, and resonance by measuring and analyzing vibration signatures.
ASHE Maintenance and Operations 3
Which type of maintenance work order is generated automatically by a CMMS based on a predetermined schedule?