50: Implementation Issue
Definition/Typical Issues
Was the fault-finding maintenance actually being performed at the incorrect interval? Was the maintenance actually performed too frequently? Was it not being performed often enough?
Note 1: Fault-finding maintenance and inspection are usually applicable to standby systems or the detection of hidden failures in systems.
Note 2: This node addresses how often the maintenance is actually performed. If tests are not scheduled to be performed, this is addressed by the Scheduling/Frequency Issue (#49) node.
Examples
Example 1
- No testing was being performed for an emergency cooler even though testing was scheduled for six times per year. As a result, the cooler failed when the primary cooler failed.
Example 2
- An emergency communications system was supposed to be tested once per quarter. However, the testing was never performed. As a result, the system did not operate properly during an emergency.
Example 3
- An emergency alarm was supposed to be tested Monday mornings when all the manufacturing equipment was in operation. However, the test was often performed on Sunday night when the plant was largely idle. As a result, the testing did not identify that there were areas where the alarm could not be heard over the noise of the operating equipment during an actual emergency.
Example 4
- A standby diesel generator (DG) was installed to provide power to vital components during a loss of power. To perform testing of the DG, the maintenance technician takes the DG offline. After testing, maintenance failed to return the DG to an online condition. As a result, when there was a loss of power, the DG did not work.
Typical Recommendations
- Ensure that fault-finding maintenance is being performed as scheduled.
- Ensure the fault-finding maintenance is being performed in the manner specified by the procedure.
- Perform maintenance activities in accordance with the equipment reliability program.
- Review test and inspection reports and either (1) repair deficiencies noted by the inspector or (2) document why repairs are not needed.
- If equipment is found to be deficient, promptly remove the equipment from service or implement appropriate safeguards to ensure safe operation pending repair or replacement.
- Review maintenance records to assess the effectiveness of the fault-finding maintenance program.
Cross-References
| Maritime Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 63 | Implementation Issue |