Hello everyone, Companies invest a significant amount of money in developing advanced maintenance strategies to boost production efficiency and mitigate risks. They employ experienced technicians to carry out regular maintenance tasks. However, there is a concerning issue where operators are often operating the latest equipment without any formal qualifications or training. This lack of expertise in operating equipment can undermine the efforts put into developing a maintenance strategy. With operations responsible for a significant portion of plant reliability issues, should companies reconsider the practice of assigning untrained operators to handle sophisticated equipment? What are your thoughts and experiences regarding the skill levels of operators? Share your insights and experiences in the comments section. Cheers - Gary
It is unfair to criticize operators based on vague and unsubstantiated rants. Having formal qualifications does not necessarily guarantee proven skills in operating the latest equipment. Are companies releasing plant operators to work with sophisticated equipment without proper training requirements? It is important to specify the type of sophisticated equipment being referred to. How can we determine if the claim of being "sophisticated" actually means poorly designed, user-unfriendly, and ineffective?
Hello Buzz, I appreciate your response. I want to clarify that my previous comments were not meant to criticize operators. I have had the privilege of working with some highly skilled operating staff throughout my career. However, my experiences in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia have shown me that there are varying levels of operator competencies in these countries. It seems that many businesses do not prioritize operator skills. In the UK, there was a national vocational qualification program in process operations that aimed to teach essential concepts like pressures, temperatures, and flows. This initiative was a step in the right direction. Imagine letting someone drive your car without any formal training- it just wouldn't make sense. Similarly, no matter how advanced the machinery may be, the key factor is the training and competency of the operator. It is essential for businesses to invest in proper training for their operators to ensure safe and efficient operations. Thank you - Gary
One common issue highlighted by Gary is the inadequate quality of training provided to operators. Gary's concerns about operator training are valid and relatable. I have personally seen operators being recruited and given minimal plant induction before being entrusted with overseeing a high-value operation. It is clear that some companies do not prioritize operator skills, placing the blame on the companies rather than the operators themselves. It is crucial for companies to recognize the essential requirements for effectively running their plants.
Are Gary and Bob collaborating to offer services related to industrial reliability? It's important to consider the importance of proper training in any industry, just like you wouldn't let someone drive your car without formal instruction. Gary raises concerns about the quality of training for operators, but the specific issues, consequences, and solutions remain unclear. It's crucial to address these questions to improve the overall training process and ensure safety in the workplace.
Hello Buzz, It seems like you are lightyears ahead, and if I were looking to sell something, I would head to eBay! (ha-ha) "What is the core issue at hand, what are the repercussions, and what solutions can be proposed to tackle this 'challenge'?" The main issue I want to delve into is the disparity between maintenance-driven reliability and reliability in operations. From my observations, companies tend to prioritize maintenance reliability over operational reliability. "What are the implications" - Neglecting either leads to the same outcomes: unscheduled downtime, heightened safety risks, increased business expenses, and so on. "What solutions can be suggested to address this 'challenge'?" While I may not have a concrete solution for operational reliability issues, I believe at the very least there should be a focus on educating and engaging operating staff. This would enable operational personnel to grasp the implications of their actions, or lack thereof, on equipment reliability. I agree with Bob, as he raises the issue of the quality of training that operators receive, although there are other factors to consider. Perhaps my post should have been titled "operating for reliability." Have others encountered challenges with operational reliability, and if so, how have they been resolved? Cheers - Gary
Hi Gary, I completely agree with your point. Even the best maintenance strategies can fall short if the people tasked with operating the equipment don't have the necessary skills or training. It's not just about ensuring safety and preventing equipment damage - having well-trained operators also optimizes the equipment utility and extends its lifespan, making it a valuable investment in the long run. I've worked in plants where operators are properly trained, and the difference in efficiency and safety is palpable. I believe that a combination of both advanced maintenance strategies and robust operator training programs is the key to maximizing production efficiency.
Absolutely agree with you, Gary. Having untrained operators handling complex machinery is not only detrimental to the maintenance strategy but also poses potential risks for workplace accidents. Not to mention the potential costly downtime if machinery breaks down due to operator error. The tec-digital divide, where technology advances faster than the ability of operators to understand it, is concerning. Even with expert technicians, without an operator properly trained in the early detection of potential issues, many of those issues could become big problems before the technicians even have a chance to look at them. Essentially, an operator's in-depth knowledge about his equipment is an indirect, yet crucial element of preventive maintenance. From my experience, investing in training operators ensures better equipment handling, longevity, and ultimately a safer and more efficient workspace. The long-term benefits greatly outweigh the short-term costs.
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Answer: - The lack of training for operators can undermine the efforts put into developing advanced maintenance strategies, leading to decreased production efficiency and increased risks.
Answer: - Untrained operators can contribute to plant reliability issues as they may not operate equipment correctly, leading to breakdowns and increased maintenance needs.
Answer: - Considering the potential negative impact on maintenance strategy success, it may be advisable for companies to reconsider the practice and invest in proper training for operators to ensure equipment is operated effectively and efficiently.
Answer: - Operators with inadequate skills can hinder production efficiency and increase risks due to improper handling of equipment, potentially leading to downtime and safety concerns.
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