Vibration-based condition monitoring - The learning issue

Any programme of work is people-dependent and condition-based maintenance is no exception. This paper addresses the importance of providing practical and appropriate training to industry on a continuous basis. A structured learning programme should cover the basics of which machines should be measured, what parameters, where to take the readings and how much vibration is too much. More advanced courses would cover the use of phase analysis, cross signal con elation and so on, applied to practical case studies. To complete the training, formal certification is essential to ensure a recognised standard is achieved It follows that the financial benefits of a successful vibration-based condition monitoring programme will be readily gained. A multipronged effort is needed to establish a certification scheme. The educational establishment, equipment suppliers and professional bodies are well-placed to achieve this. The equivalent of the PCN scheme and/or NVQs is seen as a prime requirement to enable skills across the engineering spectrum to be measured and recognised.