Life Preservers
Considering safety from everyone’s perspective
By Allen F. Weitzel
One of the biggest influences on facility safety is a strong maintenance program. Maintenance managers know that attention to detail, documentation of actions, solid job knowledge and a prevention program are the primary elements of a safe operation. Safety and maintenance are one and the same. Each task must be approached and completed with safety in mind.
From the very first day, training each employee on safety procedures should be a primary priority. If one employee is willing to circumvent his or her own personal safety, then that employee also will likely take shortcuts that compromise the safety of your patrons.
A non-threatening environment that allows information to flow up and down the chain of command is vital to safety success. Maintenance managers should share inspection results from outside agencies with all departments, and abate as many safety recommendations as possible. Maintenance should review and approve all training manuals before publication, adding relevant maintenance or safety information. Maintenance staff also must be included in the creation of emergency procedures. Records of abated hazards can provide the foundation for the preventive maintenance program.
Preventive maintenance is the primary tool to reduce failures, malfunctions and questionable conditions. As allies, agencies such as insurance carriers, the local fire department, attraction manufacturers and safety consultants should be asked to audit the maintenance program annually.
Initial, refresher and new technology training are also important elements of a safe maintenance department.
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