My First RCA
Client:
I had been working within the Manufacturing Technology team on site and was studying the Pareto of top ten production losses due to equipment failures.
Within the top ten was a critical centrifugal pump that had contributed to 88 hours lost production over the previous 16 months.
Operating Context:
The pump was required to operate 24/7, however, it was not continually pumping to production but was required to run through a kickback line. The nature of the product being pumped meant steam jacketed pipework was required to keep the product in solution.
A design change had been implemented the previous year which included a new 3 way valve which allowed switch over from production flow to kickback using automated control. A new design double cartridge seal was also installed on the pump complete with steam flush.
Key Findings:
I first facilitated RCA in 1997 and became an accredited global trainer. At PRS, we support 5 Whys, Causal Factor, and Apollo methodologies. Contact us for RCA support or training.
