Vlaintenance record forms
Page 37
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Vith reference to the article entitled "How to fleet maintenance standards" (CM March 2), : is noted that in the paragraph on the design f a maintenance record form that "At the foot the reverse side, there will be a space for he certification of check and rectification by he signature of the person doing it and the late when it was done."
I have on a previous occasion reminded ou that it is an axiom, particularly in ngineering, that when a task is performed by a person it is imperative that the work should be checked by an independent witness, in engineering usually by an inspector,
The form mentioned above therefore requires two signatures;—
(a) a signature of the fitter who has actually carried out the work; (b) a signature of an inspector who examines the work and certifies that it is roadworthy.
Although one may argue that this procedure may be gilding the lily in some of the maintenance tasks, it is considered to be essential where roadworthiness is concerned and any subsequent failure of the work could be catastrophic. If one examines the list of inspections called up in the Tester's Manual, it is considered that every item listed is in the class where a subsequent failure could be disastrous.
As an example, one could take the recent case (CM February 16) in regard to the Trent Bus Company where six of the 10 wheel bolts were loose. The report on the case indicated that the fitter of the tyre firm who carried out the wheel change was disciplined but it does not say that any other individual was concerned, which would have been the case if there had been a satisfactory chain of command, ie an inspector to certify that the fitter had carried out his work correctly.
It was fortunate that the police officer saw the wheel wobbling and was able to ensure that suitable rectification action was taken, as, no doubt the wheel would soon have come off with possible disastrous consequences. The above example appears to be a classic case of inspection failure.
I would therefore recommend that anyone designing a maintenance record form should ensure that the certification is carried out and signed for by an independent person.
H. J. WEBB BSc(Engl. Clevedon.