Which factor is essential for implementing Total Preventive Maintenance (TPM)?

Implementing Total Preventive Maintenance (TPM) significantly relies on operator responsibility for maintenance. This responsibility enables operators to take proactive actions in maintaining equipment, leading to reduced downtime and improved equipment reliability. In TPM, workers are trained to perform routine maintenance tasks, monitor equipment condition, and identify potential issues before they lead to failures. This shift from traditional maintenance practices, which often separate maintenance teams from operators, fosters a culture of ownership and accountability among all employees.

By encouraging operators to engage actively in the upkeep of machinery, TPM not only enhances the longevity and efficiency of equipment but also equips workers with a deeper understanding of the systems they operate. This comprehensive involvement is crucial for the effective implementation of TPM, as it ensures that maintenance becomes an integral part of daily operations rather than an isolated activity.

The other options, while they may contribute in certain contexts, do not serve as foundational elements for TPM implementation in the same way that operator responsibility does.