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Some Repairs Matter More Than Others,
Part 4
In our previous issue, we said that for your most critical equipment, you should make a list of the 10 most likely failure modes. And by “critical,” we mean “revenue-intensive,” as determined by the operations managers. So, what should you do with this list? Starting with the most critical piece of equipment and working your way down from there, do the following:

• Provide a concise troubleshooting guide that will allow any tech to determine which of the 10 failure modes is the problem.
• Provide all manuals, instructions, and drawings for affecting the repair. Put these items into a kit, and store it at the equipment in a durable box designated for that purpose.
• Provide all test equipment and tools needed for repairing this specific equipment. Is this a needless expense? Answer that question by comparing the expenditure to the revenue loss incurred when a tech has to gather all of these things while the equipment is idle.

To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.


Safety
A key concept in OSHA's requirements for hazardous materials is that the employee has a “right to know.” This means your employer must provide you with information about hazardous materials you may work near or with. One way employers accomplish this is through “hazmat” (hazardous materials) training specific to a given job and which is often tailored to the specific hazardous materials that may be encountered. Notice we have used the word “may” twice now, rather than saying “probably will.”

In your hazmat training, your employer should identify another way of informing you. That's through the use of container labels and material safety data sheets (MSDS). This is a self-serve method, meaning it's your responsibility to read those labels and MSDSs. Follow up accordingly, and ask your supervisor for help or clarification if needed.

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Code Change Conferences Are Coming
The 2011 NEC is coming. Will you be ready for the changes? By attending one of EC&M's Code Change Conferences, presented by NEC expert Mike Holt and sponsored by EC&M University, you'll learn everything you need to know about major NEC changes that will impact your work, whether you're an electrician, electrical engineer, electrical designer, plant/facility electrical maintenance person, or electrical inspector. Check out the following conferences for a location and time that's right for you.

• Boston December 7-8, Venue to be determined
• Orlando December 13-14, Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport

If you're a registered professional engineer and attend one of the 2011 NEC Code Change Conferences, you'll be granted professional development hours (PDHs), a requirement for re-licensing. The program is also certified as an approved provider of Code Update training by those states requiring continuing education hours for re-licensing of journeymen, master electricians, and electrical contractors.

Register now to attend one of the these events. For more details on the conferences and a full program, visit EC&M's website.