Our environment has a significant impact on how we work. According to a study by the Staples Corporation, 94% of workers surveyed reported feeling more productive in a clean workspace. Businesses often want a clean space because it can reduce sick days, increase motivation and reduce stress, but did you know it can also improve equipment performance in manufacturing facilities? Proactive maintenance is vital when operating a heat transfer system. Regular maintenance of the equipment, as well as regular fluid sampling as part of a preventative maintenance programme enables manufacturers to monitor performance and fluid condition and prepare for maintenance before it leads to downtime. While system and fluid maintenance are integral to productivity, manufacturers might still find that the system and thermal oil have a shorter lifespan than expected. In these situations, manufacturers might find that performance is impacted by conditions outside of the system. So, how can the choices you make around the facility impact productivity? Housekeeping A clean, organised working environment can both aid productivity and keep workers safe, so facilities managers should consider how they can improve general housekeeping of heat transfer systems. Taking steps to clear pathways and remove electric cables and rubbish, for example, are quick ways to reduce trip hazards on site. When working with dangerous and flammable substances, such as thermal fluid, manufacturers should pay close attention to any oil outside of the system. Any spillages should be cleaned up immediately — while a smaller spillage might not directly impact production, leaving it unattended can increase the risk of slips and trips as well as fires. Equipment needs Over time, parts of the heat transfer system will begin to wear, reducing overall efficiency. While manufacturers might concentrate on proactively maintaining core components of the system, they should also prepare for when that part breaks down. Unplanned downtime stops production and increases operational costs, so manufacturers should have spare parts on site to reduce any production losses. Keeping critical spares on site, such as pump cartridges, parts for the heater or burner and spare fluid for topping up the system, can be integral to maintaining production. Signage To remain compliant with health and safety regulations and pass safety 32 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk Annual Buyers’ Guide 2024 Handling & Safety Matters Focus on: Health & Safety Dave Dyer, technical sales engineer at thermal fluid specialist Global Heat Transfer, explains how manufacturers can make changes around the facility to improve the productivity of their heat transfer system and better prepare for incidents that could lead to health and safety risks or costly downtime. The need for facility checks in proactive maintenance
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