In the context of maintenance, what does 'latent failure' refer to?

'Latent failure' refers to a hidden defect or fault within a system that may not be immediately evident but can lead to more significant issues later on. This concept is crucial in maintenance as it emphasizes the need for thorough inspections and proactive management to identify and mitigate potential problems before they become serious failures. Understanding latent failures helps maintenance personnel design strategies to detect and address these hidden issues, ultimately enhancing safety and reliability.

The other options do not capture the essence of latent failure as effectively. A failure occurring in a listed process is about active failures occurring in known areas, while problems identified during routine check-ups relate to observable issues rather than hidden ones. Lastly, a failure that can be immediately corrected describes a different type of issue, one that is typically apparent and manageable at the moment, contrary to the inherent nature of latent failures as hidden and potentially problematic over time.