Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1470959
20 | May - June 2022 | www . machinerylubrication.com Factor: H5M Learn More: noria.com/ascend/ Factor: H5M– Lubrication Routes Level: Platform (M) Stage: Lubricant Handling & Application About: Developing and maintaining lubrication routes allows for efficient control of lubrication tasks, optimizing resources, personnel and workload. LUBRICANT HANDLING & APPLICATION More about this ASCEND ™ Factor Bennett Fitch | Noria Corporation Five Common Mistakes Made when Developing an Inspection Route D e v e l o p i n g a n d implementing inspec- tion routes is a key part of a successful lubrication program. Inspection routes are complex, and the reality is that just because they are being performed doesn't mean they are being performed correctly. Let's look at an example: Larry Smith is a lube tech. He has a few years of experience in this role but no formal training. His inspection route for today includes 64 machines spread throughout four different areas of the plant — a task that should take Larry four to six hours to complete. Larry is given simple instructions to "inspect"; it is also assumed that he will take corrective actions when needed. At each inspection, Larr y relies on his intuition. He looks at sight glasses (where available) to determine the oil level, and when necessary, he tops up the oil. He also looks for abnormal conditions, fixing the things he can (like a hatch left open), and noting unusual conditions that he can't address immediately (spent breathers, loose bolts on machine footing, leaky drain ports, gauge issues, etc.). Many of the machines that Larry inspects are not equipped with sight glasses, greatly limiting the scope of Larry's inspection abilities and leaving him only able to make general observations. How does Larry's inspection route compare to your inspection routes? Are you relying on your intu- ition and experience alone to know what to look for? Do your machines lack the hardware to allow for good inspections? Here are some mistakes that, when fixed, will greatly improve the effectiveness of Larry's work: