Archive for March, 2010

Maintenance Training Programs

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

One of our clients was discussing their maintenance training program, and  last week as they were performing some corrective maintenance he was impressed by what he observed.  This is what he shared with me:

“.. our newest forklift off-line in order to isolate and then repair what was reported to be a brake line leak.  As we started to investigate the source of the leak, we found that the leak wasn’t from the brake system, it was a hydraulic leak.  The source of the leak was an auxiliary hydraulic port which was installed originally to power an auxiliary power unit, for say an additional mast. 

Fixing the problem was not as significant as was the manner in which the problem was approached by our newest mechanic.  Our newest mechanic took the time to get the brake and hydraulic system schematics, even before looking at the forklift.  He showed me what he thought was a discrepancy in the hydraulic schematic when he showed me the fourth hydraulic port.  Upon further investigation, we discovered that this particular hydraulic port came standard from the manufacturer, and was utilized for some specialty industrial applications, but not for normal warehouse use.  Upon finding this fourth port, we both noted that the hydraulic port cap had vibrated open from its fully shut position.  We also noted that hydraulic fluid was seen tracking down from that port.”

The most important thing in troubleshooting is the methodology which is being applied in assessing and then fixing a problem.  The Student Guides provided by ITC, continuously reinforces a standard approach to all troubleshooting efforts. All ITC curriculums have within their training objectives, to instill in their students a solid engineering approach to troubleshooting.  First understand the system you are investigating, obtain all factual observations and data from field, and then begin your troubleshooting process.  This approach which ITC bases their instruction is based on years of solid engineering sound practices and time proven methodologies.  The knowledge base of the personnel is important, more important still is the way that ITC trained personnel approach troubleshooting. 

“ At that moment, it was extremely clear that the benefit of having our personnel go through the ITC training, is reflected in all aspects of maintenance.  For me, it made and impression that the methodologies that are reinforced in the curriculum, manifest themselves as with the mechanics as they are carrying out their repair activities.”

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Pneumatic Mechanical Training

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

An incredible amount of manufacturing systems use the force and power of air to run their machinery, which is why pneumatic mechanical training is so important. In pneumatic training, employees are taught to understand the system operation as a whole to determine how the different components affect the system. Because all pneumatic systems have a common basic function, our curriculum teaches employees the skills to deal with any pneumatic equipment. It’s important for employees to know that pneumatic systems receive energy from the prime mover and transfer that energy as air pressure and flow which then uses the energy to produce mechanical motion.

Understanding the operations of pneumatic instruments, the importance of filters in a pneumatic system, and how temperature and pressure affects the dew point are just few of the other topics that will be addressed in our pneumatic training course.  Our training curriculum will ensure that your employees will understand the fundamentals of air pressure, which does the work faster and more efficiently than when it is done by hand.  Plus, our course will ensure that your employees have the ability to troubleshoot problems on any pneumatic system. Your employees will also learn that the first step in the troubleshooting process is to determine the operating characteristics of the operating system as a whole. Participants of the pneumatic training program will be exposed to both basic and complex pneumatic systems. At ITC Learning, we know that it will benefit your company to take the time to ensure that pneumatic operators are fully trained, certified and are able to perform their jobs properly.

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Electrical Safety Training

Monday, March 1st, 2010

In the industrial field, electrical safety training is just as important as plant safety. Equipments that are safe under normal working conditions can be unsafe when they’re not working properly. Any employee assigned to task associated with electrical energy should be qualified and trained to perform the job. Employees assigned to work near electrical equipment should at least know the common safety rules.

ITC Learning’s electrical safety training course is the ideal way to get your employees up to speed. Our classes will ensure that your employees can identify the electrical hazards, avoid exposure to those hazards and understand the potential results if exposed. They will also be able to understand the dangers of electrical shock and flash/arc blast.

ITC Learning knows that most electrocutions can be avoided with proper training, preparation, procedures and equipment. For instance, the course also provides training in lockout/tagout which is a procedure that can be used to help reduce the death and injury rate caused by the unexpected energization or start-up of machines.  After successfully completing our electrical safety course, your employees will be better qualified to safely perform the tasks and procedures necessary to conduct their work.

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