154: Awkward/Inconvenient/Inaccessible Equipment Location
Definition/Typical Issues
Is equipment (tools, work surfaces, supplies) that personnel need to perform their jobs inconveniently located? Is equipment difficult for workers to access when needed?
Examples
Example 1
- An operator needed to make a copy of a procedure to use in the startup of a system. Her printer was out of paper. The paper supply was locked in the supply room and she couldn't find a key. As a result, she spent 45 minutes locating enough paper by taking it from other printers.
Example 2
- All tools were returned to a central tool crib each night. As a result, mechanics spent 30 minutes at the beginning of each day obtaining the tools they needed for the day and 20 minutes returning them at the end of the day.
Example 3
- All batch recipes were supposed to be shredded after use in the field. However, the only shredder was on the other side of the plant. So, many operators just threw them in the waste basket. As a result, competitors were able to acquire their product recipes.
Example 4
- A worker operating an automatic lift inside a glove box was required to operate two sets of hand controls simultaneously. These controls were located on the exterior of the glove box. One set of buttons, located on the left of the glove box, controlled the up/down motion of the lift. The other set, located on the right side, controlled side-to-side motion. While operating the left, it was necessary for the operator to have one hand in a gloveport to balance the load. The load on the lift fell when the operator momentarily removed his hand from the gloveport to operate the controls.
Example 5
- A worker was injured during assembly operations. The work surface was too low for the worker to maintain proper posture while performing the task.
Typical Recommendations
- Ask workers about problems they have encountered in locating needed tools or equipment.
- Locate tools and supplies so that workers will have access to them when needed. Consider back shift and weekend access.
- Review workstations to ensure that proper ergonomics are being implemented.
Cross-References
| Version 10 Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 146 | Equipment Location LTA |
| Maritime Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 170 | Awkward/Inconvenient/Inaccessible Equipment Location |
| 173 | Poor Accessibility |
| 174 | Inadequate Visibility/Line of Sight |