Logan Voss
Most industrial machines are like finely-tuned instruments; they are sensitive to elements and are easily corruptible. Contamination is just one of many things that can go wrong with electric motors and other pieces of equipment.
Dirty tools make it hard for manufacturing and other types of production sites to do their jobs. That’s why keeping industrial equipment clean is such an important task. Learning how to maintain your machines will extend their life and help you produce better quality work.
Establish a Consistent Routine
Believe it or not, some pieces of industrial equipment get filthy fast. Depending on the nature of your operations, machines can spew by-products that contaminate nearby tools. Establishing a consistent cleaning routine will help you stay on top of the problem.
Assign roles and hold technicians accountable for their own tools. You should also perform frequent inspections to ensure that everyone is upholding the cleaning schedules.
Keep Detailed Documentation
While you’re cleaning, make sure to document everything. Keep track of how dirty machines are, which cleaning procedures you used, and any problems that came up along the way.
This documentation will give you important data. You can use this information to make better purchasing decisions about your overall equipment needs. If you notice that something accumulates grime too quickly, you can better identify the issue with your cleaning records.
Understand Specific Cleaning Needs
If you want to keep industrial equipment clean, you need to understand each tool’s specific needs. You can’t use soap and water on electrical components. Likewise, some machines require special products to disinfect without damage.
The best way to avoid any problems is with owner’s manuals. Become familiar with manufacturer recommendations and follow their guidance. Machine creators will know the best practices, so use your resources to make better cleaning decisions.
Maintain a Clean Facility
No matter how much you clean, you can’t keep anything tidy in a dirty building; your equipment will only be as fresh as your location. To keep your industrial machines clean, start by maintaining a clean facility.
Remove any dust, dirt, and debris daily to avoid contamination. Ensure operators keep non-work tools off the work floor to prevent clutter. When establishing your cleaning routine, make sure to include facility cleaning so that your environment doesn’t contribute to the issue.
In the grand scheme of things, staying tidy might not seem like a big deal. However, cleaning your equipment goes a long way with maintenance. If you want to cut repair costs and improve efficiency, maintaining sanitized machines should be your first step.
