Do a Walk Around

Ultraprobe Tip

Comments & Contributions

Training Schedule

Note obvious failure conditions: During the walk-around there are opportunities to identify obvious anomalies such as gross leakage, discoloration indicating corrosion or a bearing in a catastrophic failure condition. These can be noted and scheduled for repair in advance of the inspection if warranted.

Plan the inspection logic: By objectively observing the test area during the walk-around the logic of the test progression can be noted. Where will you begin, how will you follow your route without interfering with production, where will you finish up? Sometimes routes are set up to follow a numerical sequence such as “pump 1, pump 2”, but there might be instances in which pump 1 is not physically followed by pump 2. It is possible that pump 20 is right next to pump 1. The walk-around will allow you to adjust your test route sequencing to accommodate this logical progression.

Another part of the inspection logic includes the optimum time to perform the test. During the walk-around a brief interview with operators and with the supervisor in charge of the test area can help you identify the optimum time for inspection. Is it when all equipment is in use or during an off-time?

Note if test marks are present: If your inspection is to be something that is to be repeated routinely, it is important to minimize variables to note deviations. One simple approach is to be sure that test points are marked for test reliability/repeatability. If test marks are not present, be sure to set them. If the survey is mechanical, test points can be marked with such items as epoxy bonding a washer to the point, spot drilling, denting (carefully) the test point or marking the test point with an indelible magic marker. If it is a leak survey, and therefore not possible to note a leak you don’t know exists, set up a tagging method in advance.

What You need to bring during the test: As you walk around the test area, you will have the opportunity to note what equipment you will need to bring along with you in addition to your test materials. This might be a flashlight for poorly lit areas, keys to open locked cabinets or doors, a ladder or lift for elevated test areas.

Now it's your turn. We've listed a few suggestions here, what do you suggest can be accomplished with a walk-around? We’d like to hear from you. We'll publish your responses in up-coming issues. In addition, we'll happily send you a famous UE hat for your contribution.