85: Handling and Storage Issue
Definition/Typical Issues
Was the problem caused by inadequate material/part handling? Were materials/parts stored improperly? Were they damaged in storage? Were they weather damaged? Were the materials/parts stored in an environment (heat, cold, acid, fumes, etc.) that damaged them? Were material/equipment/parts issued after their shelf life was exceeded or used after their shelf life was exceeded? Were spare parts/materials and equipment stored improperly? Was inadequate preventive maintenance (cleaning, lubrications, etc.) performed on spares? Were spare parts and materials improperly labeled?
Did unauthorized access to the spare parts storage area result in problems in locating or retrieving spare parts? Was the control of access insufficient?
Note 1: This node applies regardless of where the items are stored (warehouse/stores, storage yard, field location, temporary location, etc.).
Examples
Example 1
- As a result of improper labeling, grease was placed into inventory on the wrong shelf in the supply room. Subsequently, a pump failed when this grease was used instead of the one specified for that pump.
Example 2
- An absorption column installed to remove contaminants from solvent did not operate as designed. Investigation revealed that the absorbent material used to pack the column had been stored outside and uncovered. The damaged material reduced the efficiency of the column.
Example 3
- A pump failed shortly after installation, which was much earlier than anticipated given the life expectancy of the pump. Investigation revealed that the pump had been stored in the warehouse for a long time. During the storage, no periodic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubrication, had been performed as specified in the manufacturer's instructions for storage.
Typical Recommendations
- Ensure that materials are stored in a proper environment.
- Provide proper environmental conditions for raw materials to ensure quality.
- Ensure that appropriate maintenance is performed on equipment and parts in storage.
- Promptly correct problems affecting storage in controlled environments (failures of heating/cooling systems, humidity control systems, etc.).
- For products with a shelf life, develop a system to document the product's date of manufacture and date of distribution.
- Ensure that the storeroom for maintenance parts and materials is well organized and controlled.
Cross-References
| Version 10 Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 87 | Handling LTA |
| 88 | Storage LTA |
| Maritime Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 106 | Handling Issue |
| 107 | Storage Issue |