Planned shutdown work is fundamental to various industries, such as heavy equipment and machinery. It allows businesses time to perform equipment maintenance and upgrades without interrupting everyday workflows. Shutdowns also encourage safe, cost-effective, and efficient machinery and equipment maintenance.
What Is Shutdown Work?
Shutdown work is safely stopping or shutting down equipment to perform maintenance. It involves inspecting, repairing and replacing equipment used in construction, mining and other industries. This planned work or maintenance improves machinery performance and lifespan and ensures safe operations. Shutdown procedures can include:
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Turning off: Switching off power sources, removing hydraulic attachments, and ensuring equipment is appropriately turned off.
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Material emptying: Workers remove fuel, engine fluids and other chemicals.
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Lockout: Locks are placed on components like starters to prevent equipment from turning on during maintenance work. This step also includes labelling equipment parts to inform operators and labourers of the shutdown.
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Cleaning: Washing internal and external parts and attachments to remove grease, debris and other contaminants.
Why Is Shutdown Maintenance Important?
Shutdown maintenance is essential for improving equipment safety, efficiency and reliability. It allows industries to inspect and upgrade the performance of their equipment and prevent future breakdowns. Here are some benefits of shutdown maintenance
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Minimising Downtime
One of the most significant benefits of shutdown maintenance is preventing breakdowns and downtime. Improper or a lack of maintenance can lead to frequent breakages and project disruptions. Shutdown maintenance involves assessing equipment damages and other issues and fixing them before they lead to breakdowns and downtime.
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Cost Savings
While regular maintenance can cost more upfront, it can be more cost-effective in the long term. It extends equipment longevity and minimises the risk of significant and more expensive damages or replacements.
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Operational Efficiency
Oil changes, mechanical upgrades, and other modifications can improve equipment efficiency. High-performing equipment can enhance the quality and speed of work, increasing turnover and customer satisfaction.
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Regulation Compliance
New South Wales (NSW) has various guidelines and regulations for equipment maintenance. Industries must comply with different maintenance and safety laws to prevent legal action.
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Safety
Cleaning and upgrading equipment while it is still operational can be hazardous. During a shutdown, equipment is accurately powered down to prevent accidents and injury when cleaning or repairing equipment.
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Prolonged Lifespan
Heavy equipment like cranes can be a costly investment. Regular and appropriate care can extend their lifespan and protect your investment.
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Planning
Another benefit of shutdown maintenance is minimising production loss. Planning or scheduling downtime for off-peak periods limits work disruptions and ensures efficient maintenance.
Crane Shutdown Maintenance Tasks
Crane maintenance is crucial for ensuring safer, reliable and efficient industry operations. Here are some essential crane maintenance tasks to do during shutdown:
Visual Inspection
Inspect the exterior and interior parts, looking for signs of wear, such as cracks, dents, and corrosion. The engine and electrical connections should also be inspected for leaks and wear.
Preventive Maintenance
After inspecting the crane components, perform various preventive maintenance procedures. Here is an example of a crane maintenance checklist.
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Lubricate moving parts, including bears and gears.
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Check and test mechanical components like the drive system and brakes.
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Inspect electrical components like wiring for wear, fraying and corrosion and test various safety devices.
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Clean internal and external parts, removing dirt, debris, oil, grease and other contaminants.
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Test calibration systems and recalibrate or adjust them, ensuring gauge sensors and monitoring devices provide accurate readings.
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Perform mechanical system upgrades and modifications.
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Repair and replace faulty or deteriorating parts.
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Conduct load tests to ensure cranes can safely and accurately lift loads.
Documentation
Before starting maintenance, review or analyse previous maintenance logs to identify wear patterns and recurring issues. After completing maintenance, write down or document procedures, including inspections, cleaning and repairs. It’s essential to note recurring problems and the steps to rectify them.
Safety Review
Review the safety procedures and ensure they’re updated to reflect the current version. Checking the availability and condition of protective equipment (PPE) is also essential.
Testing and Quality Assurance
After maintenance and safety checks, power on the equipment and test its operational performance. Monitor and listen out for unusual sounds and vibrations that may indicate issues.
Maximise Your Operations With St Georges Cranes
With over 25 years of industry experience, we are a trusted source for reliable and efficient crane hire services.
Our skilled and qualified tradespeople accurately and consistently maintain and upgrade our inventory to provide you with high-performing and safe crane solutions. Additionally, we advise businesses on an efficient and effective shutdown procedure to limit downtime, save money, and improve equipment longevity.
Contact us online today to learn more about our services and get started with us.