END USER INTERVIEW
is not hands-on enough . I went to one training session that was great because they had a lecture hall that was right next to a lab . In the lab , they had all the tools and equipment that one would have in a shop , so the craftsmen can do all kinds of demonstrations . The retention of knowledge after those sessions is just wonderful .”
The Maintenance Director incorporates hands-on training whenever possible . “ We will have three people doing something at the same time , and the instructor will be watching . They might say , ‘ Stop ! What is he doing wrong ?’ And continue prompting students until they understand best practices .” This kind of training really makes a difference , and therefore makes plants run better . The Maintenance Director ’ s top priority is that people go home safe , and they go home happy because they feel confident and satisfied with their work .
niques and the intricacies of metallurgy . All these training programs can ensure fewer workplace hazards .
2 . Do Not Spill
In addition to human injury , workers need to be aware of how their actions might damage the environment , so the second core value that the Maintenance Director lives by , and tries to instill in his team , is to avoid spills . “ I am a bit of an environmentalist , and I think in my position in a refinery , I can help the plant run as environmentally conscious as possible . I am in a position where if something spills , I can help get that cleaned
MICROFINISH BALL VALVES
REALLY PERFORM UNDER PRESSURE !
Corrosion resistant valves for Salt Water Disposal , Produced Water and Amine Services Stock CF8M , CF3M , Alloy 20 , Duplex and Super Duplex 600 # thru 2500 # stainless steel API 6D valves in stock
India discovered how to turn diamonds into gems .
Standard NDT examination of high pressure valves Standard low emission stem seal design 3 Year standard warranty SIL-3 rated
We ’ ve done the same for industrial valves .
• Microfinish Valves - A family owned business
• Manufacturing industrial ball valves for 50 years in Hubli , India
• In-house engineers control designs / provide manufacturing support to insure highest quality
• Standard 3 year warranty
• X-ray critical areas on 100 % of 600 # & higher class valves
• Manufacturing tolerances which produce a SIL-3 rated valve
• Standard live loaded stem seal which passes ISO 15848
• SS overlay in seat pocket of all carbon steel trunnion mounted ball valves
• Houston warehouse stocks over 18 million in inventory
• ASME B16.34 floating & API 6D trunnion mounted ball valves
• Sizes from 1 / 2 " thru 48 " & pressure classes from 150 # to 2500 #
• Available in international or domestic valve configuration up right away . We can minimize the risk of spilling products through our maintenance work practices and by reducing the number of times maintenance has to be performed , meaning fewer breakdown events and less rework .”
Preventive maintenance is common in many workplaces , but especially in refineries and chemical plants . “ Preventive measures should be standard in every refinery , but unfortunately that is not always the case ”.
3 . Do The Job Right The First Time
Doing the job right the first time requires having the right tools , facilities , knowledge , time , and expectations . Craft skills training is a big part of the knowledge aspect . The Maintenance Director explained how the training process has improved and adapted over the years : “ Years ago , we might have taken our newest employee and dropped them right in the deep end . Most people in the industry thought this was the most effective tactic for learning back then . Now , we realize that there are a lot of correct steps we need to take to ensure that Maintenance Crafts are properly trained .”
One key aspect of training is giving people the initial basic skills that they require to be involved in maintenance jobs . After those basics are covered , it is important to develop the person with more advanced knowledge and techniques . For a business to be productive and equipment to be reliable , effective craft training is important . “ Training will reduce equipment downtime because it helps ensure the work is being done properly , and consulting experts on each training topic is a big part of that .”
In his line of work , the Maintenance Director has noticed that most training sessions and professional development are ineffective because they do not always consider how adults learn , and how it differs from how kids learn . “ Trainers will provide a detailed rubric of all the steps and use it to train and test people . This is not the best method , because it
“ Looking forward , the picture may look a bit different ; with fast-changing technology , opportunities in the field may adapt over the years ,” he added . In the past , the Maintenance Director explained that there were a lot more mechanics and pipe fitters , however recently , there are more instrumentation technicians and control engineers . “ These careers will continue to change as the world changes .”
4 . An Hour ’ s Pay for an Hour ’ s Work
The fourth philosophy to strive for is an hour ’ s pay for an hour ’ s work . Fair pay and motivation are key components of any workplace .
“ I say an hour ’ s pay for an hour ’ s work because anything on either side of that is wrong . I will never ask somebody to work without pay , and nobody should expect to get paid without contributing honest work during their paid time .”
5 . Give People a Positive Work Experience
Leaders in any work setting are in a unique position to be able to influence several people ’ s attitudes and experiences . “ We can get the work accomplished and give people positive selfworth with a little conscious attention . Considering how to accomplish each job while giving people the most positive possible experience results in happier , more productive , and more loyal employees ; it is just the right way to treat people .”
The Big Picture
Finally , the Maintenance Director emphasized the importance of the big picture . He considers KPIs , performance monitoring , personnel issues , and training programs , among other things , as essential aspects of this bigger picture . He discussed the importance of interdepartmental cooperation and strategizing together in order to ensure that everyone is on the same page . This kind of cooperation and teamwork also opens doors for improvements and progress .
“ There are some important questions to ask in order to achieve big picture thinking : Where is the industry headed ? What is lacking ? What is needed to be successful ? Once these questions are addressed , the next step is to implement technical training , people skills , and craft skills , all of which are necessary ,” he concluded .
www . valve-world-americas . net • September 2023 | Valve World Americas 7