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What exactly is equipment inspection? Equipment management is an important part of a company’s production and operational activities, and modern production and operations require a corresponding modern equipment management system. How to establish an efficient and reliable equipment management system and address the issues related to equipment use and maintenance has always been a topic that equipment management professionals strive to explore. The equipment inspection system was introduced to China from industrially advanced countries in the 1980s and has been widely adopted. It provides an effective method for exploring approaches suited to the development of equipment management in Chinese industrial enterprises, and it holds particular importance and significance for enterprises in the process industry. However, applying this advanced method to practical production went through a process of understanding – initial application – further understanding – and mature application. Some took detours, while others even gave up halfway. Many large and advanced enterprises in the country have ultimately succeeded in implementing a equipment inspection system, establishing an equipment management system based on this system; however, our factory has not yet truly established such an inspection system. 1. What is the equipment inspection system? The so-called inspection system is a equipment management method that involves checking specified parts of the equipment at regular intervals and in accordance with certain standards, in order to detect potential faults early and carry out repairs or adjustments promptly, thus ensuring that the equipment maintains its designated functions. 2. Methods and contents of inspection 1. Methods of equipment inspection: It is a process of conducting thorough preventive inspections at predetermined intervals and using established methods, by relying on the five senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch) or tools and instruments, to check specified parts of the equipment for any abnormalities. This approach enables early detection, prevention, and correction of potential problems and defects in the equipment; such equipment inspection is known as routine inspection. 2. Purpose of equipment inspection: Inspection is a fundamental system in workshop equipment management. Its purpose is to accurately assess the technical condition of equipment through inspections, maintain and improve its operational performance, prevent accidents, reduce downtime, extend the equipment’s lifespan, lower maintenance costs, and ensure normal production. 3. The eight fixed elements of equipment inspection: (1) Designate a person: Identify the individual responsible for inspecting the equipment. ⑵Designated point: Identify the fault location of the equipment, as well as the specific areas, items, and contents to be inspected. ⑶Quantification: Quantitative measurement of the tendency toward degradation. ⑷Fixed inspection cycle: Different devices and different failure points of devices require different inspection cycles. ⑸Set standards: Provide the basis for determining whether each inspection point is normal, that is, the criteria for judgment. ⑹Inspection Schedule: The inspection schedule, also known as a work card, guides the inspector in following the prescribed route during inspections. ⑺Fixed records: including operation records, anomaly records, fault records, and trend records, all have a fixed format. ⑻Fixed-point inspection process: Define the procedures for inspection tasks and the handling of inspection results. For issues that require immediate attention, notify the maintenance staff ； Issues that do not require immediate attention are recorded for planned inspection and handling. The key points of inspection management are: implementing full-staff management, with dedicated inspectors responsible for management by area. The inspector is itself a continuous improvement manager. Inspections are carried out following a complete set of standardized and scientific procedures. Inspection is a dynamic form of management that is combined with maintenance. 3. Difference between equipment inspection and routine inspection: The roles of the personnel involved are different. 1. Equipment routine inspection is carried out by operators and equipment managers. 2. Equipment inspection is carried out by maintenance technicians, equipment managers, and inspectors who hold certification of the appropriate skill level issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. Different job responsibilities: 1. Equipment inspectors use human senses or simple instruments to conduct regular inspections of equipment, and during these inspections they identify any abnormalities or potential problems by comparing the equipment with established standards. 2. The inspector is responsible for managing the technical condition of equipment; they serve as the core force in the technical management of equipment operation, maintenance, and repair, and are accountable for the technical condition of the equipment. ① They are responsible for managing the technical condition of the equipment in their assigned area, carrying out regular on-site inspections of the equipment in accordance with the requirements for routine inspections and equipment maintenance, and keeping proper records ； ② Responsible for formulating equipment maintenance plans, spare parts plans, and technical maintenance schedules, as well as handling on-site equipment failures ； ③ Responsible for the organization and implementation of equipment maintenance plans, as well as quality supervision and inspection ； ④ Responsible for coordinating with the maintenance department (company) and issuing work order visas for repairs ； ⑤ Responsible for the detection, analysis, and diagnosis of equipment failures, as well as proposing solutions for handling them and improvement plans ； ⑥ Responsible for the on-site management of equipment, providing guidance and inspections, as well as ensuring that production staff carry out proper operation and daily maintenance of the equipment ； ⑦ Responsible for filling out and managing equipment operation records ； ⑧ Responsible for providing equipment knowledge training to the staff working in this area. IV. Types of inspections: Routine inspections: Regular checks carried out by inspection personnel. Key inspections: Detailed examinations and adjustments of important equipment on a weekly basis, or thorough inspections when abnormalities are detected. Simple diagnostics: Inspection personnel use simple instruments to measure the operating conditions of equipment, as well as conducting periodic tests and trend analyses on important equipment. Precise inspections: Equipment testing and fault diagnosis carried out by professionals; this constitutes the basic framework of the equipment inspection system. V. Qualities required of inspection personnel: A certain understanding of equipment management theory, technical skills and practical experience, as well as the ability to work with basic mechanical drawings ； It has strong fault detection capabilities and can use simple diagnostic instruments ； Possesses certain business coordination skills, enabling horizontal communication with repair stations, equipment teams, and work sections ； Have a thorough understanding of the structure and performance of the equipment under one’s responsibility, as well as the operating procedures and maintenance protocols for such equipment.