Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/468007
52 | January - February 2015 | www.machinerylubrication.com " BACK PAGE BASICS Now consider the cost savings an effective lubrication program can provide in the form of increased equipment reliability, reduced lubricant consumption and fewer repair parts. Lower overtime costs could also pay for the program's implementation and management. Doesn't this sound like something that would be of interest to your plant manager? Lubrication: A Skilled Trade It is important to realize that proper lubrication is a skilled trade. Lube technicians must be trained how to determine which lubricant is best for each application. They should also know how to calculate the correct relubrication quantity and frequency. In order to learn these skills, technicians must be trained and certi- fi ed. Just like every other skilled trade, lubrication requires a training and certifi cation component. With the average age of skilled workers approaching 60, more and more of these individuals will be retiring in the next several years. Sadly, few younger workers are entering into the skilled trades, which will leave a huge defi cit of trained workers. If you do not have immediate access to skilled, trained and certi- fi ed lubrication technicians, it may be time to look into contracting out this function. A good contractor not only can provide trained and certifi ed lube techs but can also help you develop procedures for your lubrication-related tasks as well as implement, maintain and manage your lubrication program. Granted, you will spend more than 5 percent of your maintenance budget, but in return you will lower your equipment's breakdown frequency and the costs associated with repair parts, overtime, downtime, etc. Contractors should have the training and requisite skills to survey your facility and make immediate recommendations for equipment modifi cations, lubricant selections and other neces- sary changes. They should also be able to properly install the modifi cations, implement the procedures and lube routes, and monitor their completion. In short, a contractor is equipped to walk into your facility and, in a ver y brief period of time, make signifi cant improve- ments to your lubrication program that will be refl ected on the bottom line. About the Author Loren Green is a technical consultant with Noria Corporation, focusing on machinery lubrication and maintenance in support of Noria's Lubrication Program Development (LPD). He is a mechanical engineer who holds a Machine Lubrication Technician (MLT) Level I certifi cation and a Machine Lubricant Analyst (ML A) Level III certifi cation through the International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML). Contact Loren at lgreen@noria.com to fi nd out how Noria can help you improve your lubrication program. PROGRAM FEATURE/NEED PERFORMED BY IN-HOUSE TECHNICIANS PERFORMED BY CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL Lubricant Optimization X Lubrication PM Optimization X Lubrication Program Survey X Equipment Modification Recommendations X Equipment Modification Installation X X Lubrication Program Management X X Lubrication Inspections X X Lubrication Activities X X Lubrication Certifications X X Lubrication Training X Most organizations spend only 5 percent of their maintenance budget on lubricants and lubrication, yet approximately 70 percent of equipment failures are lubrication related.