The first step in performing corrective maintenance is ___.

• A. Identify the Problem
• B. Gather Replacement Parts
• C. Perform a Risk Assessment
• D. Power Down and Lockout

Answer: (A)

The action that starts corrective maintenance is figuring out what went wrong. You begin by identifying the problem because knowing the exact fault, symptoms, and scope is what guides every subsequent step. This diagnostic moment tells you which component or system is involved, how severe the issue is, and what tools, parts, and procedures will actually be needed. Without a clear problem identification, you risk misdiagnosing the issue, performing unnecessary repairs, or missing safety considerations.

After you’ve identified the problem, you’d typically move into planning and safety steps, such as performing a risk assessment and implementing proper lockout/tagout, followed by gathering the correct parts and carrying out the repair. These steps depend on a correct understanding of the fault, which is why identifying the problem comes first.