HVAC Preventive Maintenance Critical Components: Training

As we continue our exploration into the items required for an effective HVAC Preventative Maintenance (PM) program, training is next on our checklist.

Early on in my HVAC career, I was given the role of after hours on-call supervisor. Effectively I was the acting Facility Manager during these times.  A critical after hours responsibility was to respond to issues with the boiler plant.  However, I didn’t have a lot of experience in that area, so the Facility Manager told the Stationary Engineer to “train me on the plant.”  What I got was “This is the low water cut-out, this is the oil switch, this is…..”

I made a lot of mistakes but eventually I learned my way around the plant and in turn shared this knowledge with the rest of the staff.  However, with more effective training, our preventive maintenance programs would themselves be more effective. It was then that I realized training a  key component to successful PM programs.  What good is buying a tube cleaner if the technician doesn’t fully understand how to use it?  Even if it seems obvious, there are often subtle techniques that will make doing the task easier and more efficient.

The thing to remember is that you don’t need to send yourself or employees to expensive classes outside the facility to have a good training program.  Often you have the expertise in-house. If your program includes SOI’s, look at who is following them properly when you are reviewing work orders. Also with SOI’s, you should retrain your staff annually on each one.  Most staff members will only absorb about 75% of the initial training.  However, once they are familiar with the routines, they will learn to identify how their process is different from what is described in the training manual.  If you want to retain, you need to retrain.

Another cost effective training method is dealer training.  If you are purchasing a large ticket item like a tower vacuum system, request training as part of the purchase.  Most vendors will happily provide on-site training as it will close the sale, and keep you happy with your new purchase.

Finally there are plenty of free training opportunities on-line.  Just make sure that you are learning from a reputable source such as a manufacturer’s learning center or an accredited organization’s training site.

Just remember, if you really aren’t sure you’re doing right, you’re probably not!

Here are some additional steps you can take in conjunction with your HVAC Preventive Maintenance activities:

• Check out our learning center on how best to maintain all your facility’s existing equipment.
• Subscribe to our blog to get the latest HVAC maintenance news and insight.
• Stay up to date on facility maintenance tools such as chiller tube cleaners, boiler tube cleaners, hose/pipe cleaners, descaler systems, test instruments, industrial vacuums, commercial pressure washers, and drain cleaners.

Looking to boost your HVAC career?

Download our 2012 HVAC Career Development Map or visit our Learning Center.