The various people who fix item X might have the same complaints about it, but unless those complaints get heard by the right people, the problems won’t get addressed.
One tool that solves this problem is the Repair Feedback Form. It isn’t necessary to always provide this form for every repair. To avoid getting too much information back (and thus being overwhelmed into inaction), you could provide it only for:
- Repairs conducted during the first week of the month or only repairs on Thursdays.
- The whole month, every third month.
- Specific equipment, areas, or processes.
This form should be short and easy to use. An ideal format is a checkbox list. This would consist of eight issues, plus a box for “Nothing to Report” and one for “Other” (provide space for details of “Other”).
Create the list with the idea of identifying addressable issues, such as:
- Additional problems, non-safety.
- Additional problems, safety.
- Failure mode likely to recur.
- Design change recommended.
- Lighting improvement needed.
- Convenience receptacle needed.
About the Author
Mark Lamendola
Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.
Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.
Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.