A simple, pragmatic approach to preventative maintenance of pump stations

Timaru District Council has a number of sewer and stormwater pumps for which a condition assessment was needed and a preventive maintenance program prepared to minimise the risk of unexpected failure.

This paper reviews both parts of the project which necessitated a generic and pragmatic approach appropriate to the asset be used.

1) The condition assessment approach: From a developed check list, inspections were carried out in conjunction with Council field staff capturing valuable institutional knowledge. Key to the application of the data obtained and its translation into documentation supporting the Long Term Council Community Plan was the establishment of an "operational importance ranking scale", and a service life schedule for pumps that reflected their date of manufacture and kW rating.

2) Preventive maintenance program development: The KISS (keep it safe and simple) principle was used and an easy to follow wall mounted chart / program developed that identified the tasks and frequency, spread the work load throughout the year, reflected seasonal demands / effects and short weeks, and fitted in with regular visits already in place. This created a preventive maintenance schedule that field staff could and did take ownership of.

This approach to asset management was a system created with the operators, for the operators and minimises middle management input leading to organisational efficiencies through delegated responsibility.