Page 372 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance

Preventive Maintenance for Reciprocating Compressors 357

imperative that the capabilities of every contractor be thoroughly exam-
ined. To work effectively with a contractor, the client must have confi-
dence that the firm will be able to do the job properly and on time.
The points outlined for the selection of a vendor also apply in the
selection of a compressor maintenance contractor. Considerations
include:

1. What kinds of service does the company provide? Is it a full-ser-
vice operation?
2. What will it cost, and how will the plant be billed? Price should
never be the only determining factor in considering a contractor.
3. How long has the company been in business? What is its financial
status? Does it have assets to fulfill its commitments? Does it carry
sufficient insurance and liability coverage?
4. What is its turnover rate? A stable workforce is generally better
trained, more safety conscious, and easier to work with.
5. Does the potential contractor insist on surveying the client's
premises? A company willing to accept a job on specifications
alone should be viewed with caution.
6. How dedicated to quality is the contractor? What kind of training
does he provide?
7. How are his employees hired and how well-qualified are they?
Are they permanent employees or are they "temporaries" hired for
each job?
8. What are the backgrounds, skill levels and experience of the con-
tractor's supervisors or lead persons? It is important and necessary
that the lead person have a background in compressor maintenance.
9. What are the backgrounds of the owners or managers of the com-
pany?
10, Will the contractor supply a complete report and record of all work
performed? Are samples available for review?

INITIATING THE SERVICE

Selecting and hiring a maintenance contractor does not mean the plant
no longer needs to have anything to do with the maintenance work being
performed. Once the choice is made, steps must be taken to integrate the
outside services into the plant's daily routine. The plant must provide guid-
ance, outline what needs to be done, offer input, and make the decisions.