In maintenance management, ensuring the efficiency and reliability of operations is paramount. One key strategy to achieving this is through the diligent use of pre and post-checks associated with work orders.
These checks, when properly configured and executed, can significantly enhance the safety, accountability, and overall quality of maintenance tasks.
According to data by OSHA, among the top 10 violations include hazard communication, the control of hazardous energy, and machine guarding – all preventable issues, especially when you have the right maintenance management tools in place.
The question remains: Are your teams checking the right boxes?
Let’s explore the significance of these checks in more detail and how they can be better integrated into maintenance processes.
Why Are Pre and Post-Checks so Important?
Pre-Checks
Pre-checks serve as a critical first line of defence before any maintenance activity begins. They are designed to ensure that all necessary conditions are met and safety protocols are in place before work commences.
This could range from verifying that the correct tools are available, to ensuring that the asset is properly shut down and secured. The aim is to pre-emptively address any potential issues that could compromise the safety or quality of the maintenance work.
Post-Checks
Upon the completion of maintenance work, post-checks come into play. These checks are crucial for verifying that the task has been completed to the required standard and that the work area has been returned to a safe state for normal operations.
This includes confirming the removal of all tools and equipment used during the maintenance task and capturing a handover signature to signify the completion and accountability of the work performed.
The Benefits of Diligent Pre and Post-Checks
Enhanced Health and Safety
The main benefit of applying diligence to pre and post-checks is the substantial enhancement of workplace safety.
A strict protocol that requires checks before and after maintenance activity significantly mitigates the associated risks. This includes preventing accidents that may arise from overlooked hazards and confirming the removal of any potential dangers post-maintenance.
In essence, these checks are a critical safety net, safeguarding your maintenance workers from unforeseen safety breaches.
Increased Efficiency
Efficiency in maintenance management is not just about doing things faster but doing them right the first time. Pre and post-checks streamline the maintenance process by identifying potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs or equipment downtime and by ensuring that all tasks are completed correctly.
Being diligent with these checks aligns with the practice of preventive maintenance. Research has demonstrated that companies using a reactive approach to maintenance had 3.3 times more downtime, 16 times more defects, 2.8 times more lost sales caused by defects, 2.4 times more lost sales caused by delays, and 4.89 times more inventory increases due to maintenance issues.
In contrast, those using preventive and predictive strategies saw 15% less downtime, 87% less defects, and 66% less inventory management issues.
Improved Accountability
A systematic approach to pre and post-checks enables a culture of accountability. Requiring detailed completion of checks, including capturing handover signatures, ensures a clear trail of responsibility, which increases the chances that each task will be performed with the utmost diligence and adherence to prescribed standards.
This not only improves the quality of maintenance work but also instills a sense of ownership and pride in the workforce, driving higher standards across the board.
Compliance and Audit Readiness
Pre and post checks ensure that all maintenance activities are EHS compliant and conducted in line with best practices. The detailed records generated from these checks provide auditable evidence of compliance, facilitating smoother audit processes and demonstrating commitment to regulatory adherence.
This not only helps in avoiding potential fines and penalties but also enhances the organisation’s reputation among stakeholders.
Strategic Decision Making
Beyond the immediate operational benefits, the aggregated data of pre and post-checks contribute to informed strategic decision-making. The analysis of trends, identification of recurrent issues, and the assessment of maintenance outcomes offer a rich data source for continuous improvement initiatives.
Organisations can leverage this data to refine maintenance strategies, prioritise investments in equipment or training, and enhance overall asset management practices.
Are Your Team Checking the Right Boxes?
The effectiveness of pre and post-checks in maintenance management hinges on the relevance and thoroughness of the checks themselves. To truly benefit from these practices, it’s crucial that the checks are not seen merely as bureaucratic hurdles but as integral components of a quality-driven maintenance strategy.
Regular reviews of the checks, considering changes in regulations, technology, and operational practices, will ensure they remain aligned with the organisation’s objectives and compliance requirements.
In addition, the success of implementing these checks relies on the commitment and diligence of maintenance personnel. Training and awareness initiatives can help reinforce the importance of these checks, ensuring that every team member understands their role in upholding the standards of safety, quality, and efficiency.
How Does Maintenance Management Software Streamline Checks?
Idhammar Systems offers a sophisticated solution that can be configured to automatically create and associate the necessary pre and post-checks with work orders. This can be done manually or via preventive maintenance templates, ensuring that no critical step is overlooked.
The versatility of our computerized maintenance management system allows for the recording of various data types including yes/no responses, pass/fail outcomes, numerical information, and even signatures.
Trigger Configurations
One of the standout features of our CMMS software is its ability to respond to various triggers when creating a work order. Users can set up specific pre and post-checks based on work type, asset type, or criticality. This ensures that the checks are not only relevant but also tailored to the specific needs and risks associated with the maintenance task at hand.
For example, a breakdown work order might trigger a specific set of checks that differ from those triggered by routine maintenance on a critical piece of equipment. Likewise, the asset type ‘vehicle’ could trigger the relevant set of checks.
Assigning and Completing Checks
The assignment of these checks is straightforward, thanks to Idhammar’s intuitive interface. Once the appropriate triggers have been set up, engineers will see the relevant checks listed upon creating or completing a work order. This ensures that the right checks are completed at the right time, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the maintenance process.
The completion process for these checks is designed to be as seamless as possible. Engineers select a check, fill out the required information, and the data is automatically recorded and stored within the system. This provides a comprehensive and accessible record of all maintenance activities and facilitates a smoother review process.
Conclusion
Pre and post-checks in maintenance management are more than just procedural formalities. They are essential tools in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of maintenance operations.
With systems like Idhammar, organisations can seamlessly integrate these checks into their maintenance workflows, ensuring that all necessary boxes are checked. To book a demo of our industry leading maintenance management software, contact us today.
