Inspections are essential to avoid malfunctions and accidents. Here's our definitive guide to improving the inspection process and asset dependability.
Inspecting equipment is essential to avoid malfunctions and start-up problems. Here are some effective techniques to improve your inspection process to take care of the equipment more efficiently.
What is equipment inspection?
An inspection examines an asset to ensure that it meets specific standards. An inspection aims to identify any potential safety hazards or defects. If the inspection uncovers hazards or defects, they can be fixed or corrected to help prevent accidents or injuries.
Why is equipment inspection necessary?
Equipment inspection is vital because it helps ensure that your equipment is safe and in good working condition. Without regular equipment inspections, it can lead to accidents and injuries. Trained and qualified individuals should conduct equipment inspections. These individuals should have the knowledge and experience necessary to identify potential hazards and defects. They should also be familiar with the correct procedures for fixing or correcting these hazards and defects.
Regular inspections help ensure that machines are in good working order and identify potential problems early. There are a few different ways to perform equipment inspections. One method is to have a dedicated team of inspectors who go through each machine regularly. Another method is to have operators perform self-inspections before starting their shifts. Businesses should aim to perform inspections according to a schedule designed to catch potential problems. For example, machines may be inspected daily or weekly in an industrial setting, depending on their use. In construction, inspections may need to be more frequent, as heavy machinery is more likely to experience wear and tear.
Reporting problems during an inspection can help you significantly cut downtime and increase asset reliability. A well-designed inspection program will help to keep machines in good working order and minimize the chances of accidents or breakdowns.
Tips to improve equipment inspection
It is essential to have a well-defined process to improve equipment inspection, and it is equally vital to follow the process consistently.
1. Look for warning signs
One way to improve equipment inspection and reporting is to be sure to pay attention to warning signs that may be present. If something looks or feels off, it’s best to report it immediately.
2. Documentation
Another way to improve inspection and reporting is through documentation. Be sure to document all findings, no matter how small. This strategy will help create a more accurate report.
3. Photos
Along with documentation, photos can also help create an accurate report. If possible, take photos of any equipment that may need repair or replacement.
4. Equipment history
Finally, another way to improve equipment inspection and reporting is by keeping track of the history of the equipment, including records of previous inspections, repairs that were carried out, and so on. This information can help spot trends or issues that may not be immediately apparent.
5. Itemized inspection reports
When it comes to equipment inspection and reporting, one of the best ways to improve the process is to create an itemized inspection report. This report itemizes inspection results for a piece of equipment and any problems uncovered during the inspection process. It helps to ensure proper tracking of inspection results and helps to address problems quickly. Having an itemized inspection report also makes it easier to track trends over time. If the same piece of equipment keeps having the same problem, it may be time to replace it. Or, if a specific type of equipment is frequently causing problems, this could indicate a more significant issue. Inspection apps can help you easily create itemized inspection reports making it easier to identify these trends and take action accordingly.
6. Increase accountability
Once thoroughly inspecting your equipment, you should document your findings in a report. This report should include a description of the condition of your equipment, as well as any repairs or replacements made. The report should also be signed and dated by the inspector and the person responsible for the equipment.
Conclusion
It is essential to perform a thorough inspection of your equipment regularly. This process will help to ensure that your equipment is in good working condition and does not pose a safety hazard. A thorough inspection process will also allow you to identify any problems with your equipment in advance so they can be repaired or replaced. The tips discussed above will enable you to efficiently perform equipment inspection and track inspection results to increase asset dependability and lifespan. At BriskForce, we offer cloud-based CMMS and inspection software to help you streamline work orders, inspections, and much more. Start a free trial today or contact us to learn more.