Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/147079
Lubrication Programs FROM THE FIELD JEREMY WRIGHT | NORIA CORPORATION Developing EFFECTIVE Lubrication PROCEDURES Most of the plants I have visited in the last few months have an aging workforce that is very skilled in performing their duties. Many of these employees are looking forward to retiring within the next few years. That in itself is not a problem. The problem is that most of the data these employees have collected over the years only resides within their heads and not on paper or within a computer. This means that when they walk out the door that final time, information will be lost until the company invests in learning it over again (often at a very steep price). One way to remedy this situation is to start developing effective written procedures. What is an effective lubrication procedure? It 4 is a step-by-step guideline that directs the user through a specific lubrication task. Of course, there are many types of tasks, including manual bearing lubrication, gearbox filling, gearbox checking, kidney-loop filtration, sample collection, etc. Each of these tasks will have some degree of uniqueness as well as a lot of overlap with other similar lubrication tasks. When preparing a lubrication procedure, consider the following: • Strategy — How does the procedure support the broader maintenance strategy? • Purpose — What needs to be accomplished? • Procedure — How is the task accomplished, including the many details that determine safety, efficiency and effectiveness? While there is no single approach to defining the individual tasks for a proceElements of an Effective Lubrication Procedure dure, certain specifics must be incorporated to remove ambiguity and assure 1. Emphasize Best Practice — Procedures enable the incorporation of best practice. However, this compliance. At a minimum, the purpose should is not automatic. A concerted effort must be made to build best practice into the procedure. Access the include the name of the item to be addressed, experience and knowledge of your own maintenance team, and bring in outside support as required to the objective of the work, the identification of ensure that your procedures are up to date and aligned with your business goals. 2. Communicate Clearly — Use clear, easy-to-understand language when creating procedures. the individual to perform the task, the operaAlso, utilize digital photographs to reduce the procedure's dependence upon words. For intricate tasks, tional and safety conditions, and the amount a digital video is an excellent way to communicate tasks that are difficult to describe with words. of time allocated to the task. The details should Consider procedures that include a top view of the plant along with easy-to-spot landmarks to reveal identify what is to be done, where it is to be the location of the machine. Getting to the right machine is the first step. done, who will do the work, tools and mateYou should also employ sketches or photos to identify the lube point's location. Lube points are occarials needed, and special issues surrounding sionally missed because their location is unknown to the technician. Specify required tools and materials the work (safety, operational, etc.). for completing the job to improve work planning and assembling a tool kit. Don't forget to include In the process of devising and writing procegeneral safety practices and any specific hazards associated with performing a particular lubrication task. dures, expect to find major similarities between 3. Electronic — Get your lubrication procedures in an electronic form, preferably on your companylike components grouped by maintenance wide intranet, or onto an Internet account for those moving toward Web-based application support. strategy. A template can be created with a When procedures are electronic, they can be updated globally, attached to work orders and linked to like machines in your computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Digital photographs significant amount of generic information or and video images can also be easily attached to a document. Documenting your procedures electronistructure to facilitate the process without cally is more efficient and effective than the old paper and three-ring binder method. diluting the results. 4. Continuous Improvement — There is a downside to procedures. Without management, they can anchor the organization to the past, inhibiting the inclusion of new technology and best practices. Be sure your program includes a periodic review and improvement process to update and upgrade lubrication procedures. Keeping your procedures in an electronic form simplifies continuous improvement because updates don't require tedious activities to physically replace pages in your lubrication manual. Changes can be documented and communicated in one memorandum, while updating the procedures requires only the touch of a button. 6 | July - August 2013 | www.machinerylubrication.com Work Scope Procedures clearly scope the work an individual is expected to perform. They ensure work is done the way management or engineering requires. If management wants 12 shots of grease pumped into the bearing,