Mechanical equipment is often installed in a potentially explosive working environment. Under certain operating conditions, mechanical equipment can produce potential ignition sources, which can become effective in the presence of an explosive atmosphere. Potential sources of ignition can usually appear during equipment malfunction. Maintenance of mechanical equipment aims to reduce the frequency of malfunctions to a minimum, thereby reducing the probability of the occurrence of the source of ignition. For this reason, the maintenance of equipment in areas threatened by an explosive atmosphere should not be underestimated. Good organization, staff training, adequate tools and devices, original spare parts, an established information system are prerequisites for achieving high-quality maintenance, and therefore increasing safety from explosions. This paper presents an overview of preventive activities and methods used to keep the equipment operating, reliable and safe.