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  • 1.  FLAB and Precision Maintenance

    Posted 07-21-2023 05:25 AM
    Edited by Boykie Sebobi 07-23-2023 06:19 AM

    Dear All

    I'm a proponent of maintenance basics when it comes to getting your assets to deliver reliable service. Similarly, a correct troubleshooting process must first look for facts and relevant information concerning the problem.

    I would like members to please correct me if I'm wrong. My view is that training frontline workers (more especially craft) on the importance of, and performing the correct fastening, lubrication, alignment and balancing of machines forms the basis of precision maintenance. If top asset managers/leadership claim successful implementation of precision maintenance and frontline craft workers have little or no knowledge about FLAB then there is serious misalignment, right? Consequently, any precision maintenance programme is bound to fail.

    I would appreciate members' views on the correct approach to advise a client in this situation.

    Thank you in advance.



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    Boykie Sebobi CEng MIMechE CMRP
    Principal Consultant, Asset Management
    Innolead Consulting
    Gaborone Botswana
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  • 2.  RE: FLAB and Precision Maintenance

    Posted 07-25-2023 02:25 PM
    I agree
    Every engineering system is meant to operate at a certain level of quality, which is described by the manufacturer.
    This level of maintenance is achieved if the manufacturer's procedure and specifications are abided by.
    Systems are not designed and manufactured 'fool' proof. What I mean is negligence of maintenance personnel to do the right thing doesn't yield to avoid good quality; it will break down.

    You could perhaps advise the client on the need to carry out precise fastening, lubrication routine, alignment and balancing, which basically minimizes unwanted vibration to minimize wear.

    Preaching FMEA and RCA to frontliners so 'we' understand where most breakdowns emanate to prevent them can keep plants operating in close tolerance to required reliability.
    For example, the fault tree analysis can be used to explain to personnel how most big problems are caused by little things(mostly bad FLAB).

    Darlington Asomaning
    Field Service Engineer
    Mantrac Ghana Limited

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    Darlington Asomaning BSc


    Tema
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  • 3.  RE: FLAB and Precision Maintenance

    Posted 08-16-2023 07:06 PM
    Couldn’t agree more. I find that when the front line isn’t fully aware of the FMEA they tend to do what’s quickest.

    Precision maintenance requires maintenance teams to be almost as skilled as technicians.

    From torquing sequences to using the correct bolts

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    Lesiba Moja BEng
    Reliability Coordinator
    First Quantum Minerals
    Kempton Park
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