Up Time Magazine- June/July 2008

Commissioning? Operation? Maintenance? -- “To address this mistake we must use root-cause analysis. I’ll begin by saying it’s not my fault.” Design? Purchasing? Construction? Figure 3 - Assumptions without proper analysis are not beneﬁcial. Figure 4 - Look for latent root causes in all administrative processes Instead of starting a new RCA, if strong deficiencies are identified in the maintenance strategy, they must be adjusted. If not, the RCA should be executed. • • • • Construction Commissioning Operation Maintenance ERROR 5 – The RCA Is Not Executed Because It Is Believed That The Root Cause Is Known Problem Description – If a failure occurs and an RCA is not initiated because it is believed that the root cause is known, trouble will almost always follow (Figure 3). In such a case it is better to ask: “If we already know the root causes, why did the failure occur? Or possibly, why did it occur again?” Recommendations – If there are corrective actions underway that are related to the failure that has occurred, it is better to wait for the total completion of these actions before starting a new RCA. If there are not outstanding action items, a new RCA should be initiated. Recommendation – Finish all RCA’s only when Latent Root Causes are identified. ERROR 7 – The RCA Results Are Not Shared With Other Plants/Fields Problem Description – Upon completion of an RCA, the results are reviewed with the affected plant’s management (i.e., manager, director, leader, etc.); but they are not shared with personnel from other similar plants throughout the enterprise, because such communication was not part of the project’s initial scope. However, if sharing RCA results and lessons learned are central to the scope of a company’s overall maintenance and reliability strategy, a much greater benefit for the Company will be derived from each individual occurrence. For example, in an offshore oil and gas platform network, RCA results from an event on one platform will have significant application to similar platforms in the network. Recommendations – After validating results with managers involved in the initial failure, ERROR 6 – The Latent Root Causes Are Not Identified Problem Description – In some cases it is considered difficult to identify the Latent Root Causes of an event. Therefore, the decision is made to complete the RCA at the point of Physical and/or Human Root Cause. However, the only way to avoid the recurrence of the failure is by establishing an “administrative barrier” that protects as much as possible against human error. Just like a guide to facilitate the identification of Latent Root Causes, the RCA team can look for failures in the following administrative processes (Figure 4): • Design • Purchasing www.uptimemagazine.com ENGINEER / ANALYST EQUIPMENT RELIABILITY UNIT Constellation Energy Generation Group is part of Fortune 200 Constellation Energy, the world’s largest competitive supplier of power to wholesale, commercial, industrial and governmental customers. Our Equipment Reliability Unit seeks a committed, skilled Engineer. Performs ASME-based performance engineering tests, studies and investigations of problems associated with plant performance, operation and maintenance; prepares/distributes reports; provides technical expertise to staff management in various plant departments; utilizes precision instruments to measure critical major equipment data to determine the condition of equipment; and conducts Predictive Maintenance monitoring of critical equipment in power plants. The ideal candidate will be familiar with current trends used to evaluate data and detect/prevent abnormalities; possess a BS degree in Engineering; and have 5+ years of engineering analysis experience or related combination of education and experience. Strong project management skills are essential. Relocation assistance is offered. Working with Constellation Energy in Baltimore has many advantages including career visibility with a highly respected company and excellent income/ benefits. Our location offers the excitement of professional sports teams, recreation galore for adults and families, plus all the appeal of our famous inner harbor attractions. We offer one of the strongest employment packages available; a dynamic work environment; and a commitment to your continuous advancement within our great organization. Join a proud group of power people! Please apply online using Job Posting #4527 at: www.constellation.com. EOE Taking energy a step further. 55 http://www.constellation.com http://www.uptimemagazine.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Up Time Magazine- June/July 2008

Up Time Magazine- June/July 2008 Contents Upfront Upclose: The True Cause of Most Machine Failures Information Technology: Finding Future Perfect Lubrication: Building an Oil Analysis Winner Maintenance Management: Hidden Ways to Increase Safety Infrared: Air Barriers Lower Energy Costs, Increase Profits Motor Testing: Efficient Motor Repair, Part Deux Precision Maintenance: Good Maintenance, Smart Maintenance Reliability: Common Errors in Root Cause Analysis Ultrasound: Avoid the Baghouse Blues Vibration: Don't Let Your Sensors Get Eaten Alive Upgrade: Lining It All Up

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