Servicing and auditing for workshop machines.
A large college that uses workshop machines for training students contacted Sussex Mechanical Services with a requirement for both servicing and reporting on the condition of their machines. The machines date from the mid 1960's to 2007 and they are used by students of varying skill levels.
They use a range of manually operated lathes, mills, grinders,etc and they wanted to be sure that they were in a good usable, safe condition and that there was an independant documented maintenance procedure in place to assist with their PUWER compliance.
The first step was a condition assessment and report to their head of operations to determine a baseline for potential repairs and to set the service level for any subsequent maintenance programme. During the assessment servicing was carried out to the manufacturers maintenance schedules, required further work was noted and highlighted in the written report.
The second step was to source the required replacement parts and fit them to ensure that the machines were in a session ready condition for the start of the new term.
Thirdly, the full report declares that the machines are fit for use, the guards and interlocks are working and the coolant tanks are clean and refilled. Using the latest HSE guidance relevant to these machines, recommendations for further maintenance were included, for instance wear in hoses and drive belts, a programme of part replacements, guard enhancements and coolant condition monitoring was suggested.
To assist the college staff daily/weekly check sheets have been prepared for each machine.
Sussex Mechanical Services and the college have an annual managed service contract and breakdown package tailored to meet their specific needs.
If you have machines that you provide for staff or students and would like to discuss how to ensure that they are fit for purpose, safe and PUWER compliant contact Sussex Mechanical Engineering Services Ltd
