47: Fault-finding Maintenance and Inspection Issue

Node Fault-finding Maintenance and Inspection Issue

Definition/Typical Issues

Did hidden failures contribute to the loss event? Could these hidden failures have been detected by testing the equipment?

Note 1: Fault-finding maintenance and inspection are usually applicable to standby systems or the detection of hidden failures in systems.

Note 2: The Scope Issue (#48) node addresses the scope of the fault-finding maintenance and inspection process. Scheduling/Frequency Issue (#49) node addresses when the maintenance should be performed. The Implementation Issue (#50) node addresses performing the fault-finding maintenance or inspection task.

Once the fault-finding maintenance and inspection activity has detected a problem that needs to be resolved, the issue then proceeds to the Corrective Maintenance Issue (#51) cause type. This cause type addresses the subsequent Troubleshooting/Corrective Action Issue (#52) and the Repair Implementation Issue (#53).

Examples 

Example 1

  • A standby diesel generator was installed to provide power to vital components during a loss of power. No testing had been performed on the diesel generator since it was installed, even though testing was required every other month. As a result, when there was a loss of power, the diesel generator did not work.

Example 2

  • A second cooling pump was installed as a spare. It was designed to start when the primary pump fails. The standby pump is smaller than the primary and so is seldom used. The pump is tested when it is periodically placed in service (although it is not done on any schedule). However, the auto start system is never tested. As a result, the standby pump failed to start following an emergency shutdown of the primary pump.

Typical Recommendations

  • Ensure that standby systems are periodically tested to determine their operability.
  • Verify that installed spares are periodically used to ensure that they are ready to operate when the primary components or trains fail.
  • Check fault-finding testing procedures to ensure that they test the entire system and not just a portion of it.
  • Ensure that the frequency of testing is correct (not too often, but often enough).

Cross-References

Version 10 Element(s)
Node ID Node Name
46 Failure Finding Maintenance LTA

 

Maritime Element(s)
Node ID Node Name
59 Failure Finding Maintenance Issue
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