MAINTAINING MOMENTUM

News that the UK is out of its deepest recession since the 1930s should be cause for celebration; however the paltry 0.1% growth during the last three months of 2009 sadly does not instil a great deal of confidence for the future. What is clear is that for most companies, minimising costs and streamlining processes will have to remain high priorities.

Ensuring that plant and equipment is operating at peak efficiency means maintenance - not the most glamorous side of engineering, but a side that ensures machinery is up and running when it is needed and in a safe condition. While this may seem obvious, several recent court cases show that, for some companies, maintenance still does not receive the attention or high priority it warrants.

For example, the HSE recently warned manufacturing companies to inspect their machinery regularly after a hydraulic fluid leak caused an explosion at a Sheffield factory, causing serious burns to two workers. It transpired that, although a risk assessment carried out prior to the incident had recommended the need for a regular inspection of hydraulic hoses, no follow-up action had been taken. Whatever time/financial constraints companies are under, downgrading the importance of maintenance must not be an option - the consequences could prove catastrophic.

Good news then that the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work's Healthy Workplaces campaign for 2010/11 will be 'Maintenance' (the campaign launches on 28 April). In the UK, easyFairs' Maintec exhibition opens at the NEC on 2nd March. A preview can be found in the Efficient Maintenance supplement that accompanies this issue of IPE. Also in the supplement we include features on a range of maintenance topics, together with case studies and news of products that are designed to help prevent accidents and unscheduled breakdowns, so that companies can be sure that their equipment is ready to fire on all cylinders as the economic recovery gathers momentum.

Val Kealey
Editor