Are you training your personnel on how to properly inspect your assets?

• Include inspections in your theory and practical training.
• Identify the items to inspect and explain what to look for on each item.  
• Show the proper procedure and sequence for performing an inspection.
• Go over circle check inspections—where to start and where to finish.
• At the beginning of practical training, demonstrate and perform a circle check inspection of the asset.
• Follow up and observe trainees performing the circle check they previously learned.
• Document each inspection and keep records.

Why is a proper inspection so important, you might ask?

Here are some major benefits of performing proper inspections:

• Increased safety for operators and those around them.
• Reduced asset downtime—if it's down, it's not working to generate profit.
• Control and reduction of maintenance costs—it's cheaper to fix little problems.
• Elimination of major repair bills—We all know the no-oil story; don't check the OIL, replace the ENGINE.
• Reduction of production delays.
• Compliance with laws requiring inspections and documentation.
• Reduction and control of injuries—defective or flying parts cause many injuries.
• Identification of potential problems before they materialize.
• Increased asset life.

The Bottom Line

Proper inspections save you money!

Image courtesy of Oregon Department of Forestry, Creative Commons.