Providing operating signs at the point of need ensures that correct procedures are followed and that machine operators do not drift into bad habits.
In Portland, Oregon, sustainability is our way of life. You’ll find this term tagged onto everything from the baker, to the butcher, from the bank, to the bus – even pet shops are using it. It’s like a skit from Portlandia.
In the industrial and environmental world, sustainability has more serious ramifications which affect profitability.
Operating and maintenance activities, performed properly, contribute to a company’s ability to sustain its work force (keep people busy, happy and productive) and eliminate waste (materials, time and resources).
Savvy companies are always on the lookout for ways to predict what might go wrong in their facility rather than having to scramble to fix a machine after it breaks – which could mean shutting down production for hours or days.
Think of it like this. If you had to ride a bicycle or a motorcycle or a scooter every day, you’d learn to literally get in tune with the bike’s sounds and smells. The same thing with a building. Just because it’s encased and seemingly sealed right doesn’t mean you can’t get to know the potential signs of impending failure – from cracks and peeling paint to leaks and squeaks.
Industrial energy efficiency audits are a great first step toward improving operational efficiency. Often, companies learn basics such as checking the dampers of air handling units when they change filters. Labels help by reminding technicians to make these types of fixes which are low cost and take less than two hours. Often, there’s considerably more outside air being drawn in than is required, leading to higher than necessary energy costs.
