Facility Inspection Program

DOE-STD-1072-94

The objectives of a facility inspection program are (1) to provide a means for

owner/operators to have an awareness of the way business is actually being conducted

on the shop floor and (2) to provide a means for maintenance managers to impart their

expectations to craftspersons as to how maintenance should be conducted.

Key indicators of a well-maintained and operated facility are the appearance and

proper functioning of facilities, systems, and equipment.

Daily observation of conditions should be performed at local job sites by the

owner/operator. However, all facility personnel should be encouraged to be active

observers during the normal course of daily duties. Good materiel condition,

cleanliness, and housekeeping are established and maintained by a knowledgeable work

force alert to deficiencies in their work areas and who inform responsible managers for

prompt corrective actions.

Effective implementation of this program ensures that facility materiel condition,

industrial safety practices, housekeeping, and radiological protection practices conform

to managements standards.

This program should also be used as a feedback and communication tool. Many

management studies show that worker morale and motivation improve when

management demonstrates interest in their activities. These inspections provide a good

opportunity for positive and constructive feedback. Additionally, the facility inspection

program may be a beneficial tool when used to recognize the performance of individuals

or groups that have made positive efforts in improving the facility materiel condition.

A facility inspection program should include the following key elements:

a systematic approach that ensures information is gathered throughout the facility.

Ideally, the program should ensure that each area of the facility is inspected by a

manager/supervisor on a periodic basis.

a focal point to evaluate the gathered information, identify recurring problems,

and develop corrective action plans

conscientious management involvement in specifying corrective action and

assigning responsibility for implementation

a means to follow up on the program to measure its effectiveness