At one of our problems solving sessions at LubricationWorld in Chattanooga I was amazed to find out how many companies are eliminating the position of Lubricator/Oiler.

Some used a RCM type of analysis to eliminate many of the tasks, others outsourced this job to the primary lubrication supplier and others simply cut the job and lumped responsibility onto other maintenance people or operators.

What is happening at your company and how did you deal with the changes?

Terry O

Does this oiler/lubricator position exists to do lubrication only or this task is included in the mechanical PM and done by a mechanic? This is obviously to ensure that a person like a mechanica always has a task to do over time, unlike the solely oiler/lubricator jobs.

I first know about the existence of this oil/lubricator position when reading someone's resume. Now look like it's an idea to be considered.

I guess with this idea, there should a lubrication route to follow, just like vibration monitoring and other CBM.

But how effective is this idea of having dedicated oiler/lubricator in achieving the lubrication objetives? WIll they be responsible for contamination control as well?

Look like separate syllabi for lubricator & mechanical technician:

http://www.tpctraining.com/products/recommended/pdf/lub...s%20or%20lubricator'

Is it possible that the position of lubricators is no longer required due to installation of constant-level oilers?http://gpreeves.com/wps_lubricators.html

and ---- who checks the constant level oilers?

Mechanic or technician? Is it really necessary to have a separate of dedicated oilers/lubricators? What are the cost/benefits like? Any article written on this matter?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Josh,

Looks like the JD of an oiler is quite extensive, almost similar to what we call a mechanical technician:
http://www.whoi.edu/services/HR/jobdescp/marine/oiler.html

Josh - my point is that the mechanic or technician will probably not check the lubricator level because - this was done by his mate who was made redundant so they could load more work on to him/her.
And if the pliable technician does indeed carry out the task as you are expecting then probably down the list of daily tasks - probably so near the bottom as to drop off the page

Mike

quote:

Candidates must be familiar with a variety of engine room equipment and tools, have the ability to discern and help repair equipment malfunctions and to perform basic mathematical calculations, and demonstrate good safety practices and procedures.

I think the function handy-man, jack of all trades, mechanic or even grunt is not allowed in the naval world.
In the ship engine room you have the engineers (bosses) and the craft, the oilers

I like to introduce the idea of chief oilman and his deputy to cover for him during his absence. This is per shift. Among the duties would be:
1) to become owners of onsite test kits
2) to do and/or ensure oil sampling & testing is done as per PM schedule or as necessary
3) to log test results and monitor trendings of oil key parameters
4) to lead lubrication & contamination control at site during his shift
5) to monitor oil stocks & suggest consolidation where necessary
6) to attend further trainings to get certification

What do you guys think?

Josh, the JD you read is from a ship, if you have read the rest of the website, you would have seen the whole hierarchy.
It have been improved during the ages, because in the "dark ages" disobedience would be called mutiny, and the phrase "it is not in my Job Description" could result in being left on an uninhabitant island, being hanged or simply thrown as "delicatesse" for the sharks.

Imagine the oiler saying, "let somebody else grease the stearing system, I am busy monitoring the oil key parameters"
And the engines breakdown somewhere between Africa and Antartica

So what is your point?

The chief oilman and deputy are not on the hierarchy list of the referred website.

The head honcho is the Chief Engineer:

Reporting to the Master, is head of the Engine Department and is responsible for personnel and the proper operation, maintenance, and safety of the vessel's propulsion system and all auxiliary machinery and spaces. As a senior manager, represents the Institution's best interests.

His assitants are the:
First Assistant Engineer
Second Assistant Engineer
Third Assistant Engineer

And all supervise the oiler, which is the last one in the picking order just like in any descent chicken farm

The only one not giving orders to the "poor" oiler is the junior engineer which is one link higher in the food chain of the engine room, the next promotion step for the ambitious oiler.

That is my point based on the facts presented and written evidence supplied in this thread.

IMnHO, there should be more than one oiler, in any other industry probably he would called mechanic

Yes, I agree to the same point that the oiler should be part of a mechanic function as per my first post above.

In my case, I would like to emphasize further of the importance of having a proper lubrication and contamination control program to machinery health to all personnel. Thus the appointment of chief oilman and his deputy who are existing mechanics. Pls note their duties mentioned above which are embedded in their mechanic duties.

So I'm not having separate oilers and mechanics.

Btw, do you have a lubrication management strategy in your refinery?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Josh,

Pls don't get confused with the ship set up. I show those references because I found them in internet search and I didn't find any direct references to indutrial plants.

No we don't have separate oilers mechanics also

Pump (millwrights) mechanics grease their pumps
EL/INS mechanics grease their big electric motors
Mechanics grease their engines/etc

We give operators grease to grease their valves, leave enough lube oil to top-up their equipment

And we provide training for craft en supervisors. Electrical supervisor attended session of Howard Penrose at IMC-2005. Alert Analytical conducted training including RCA and lubrication for the craft, and the guy who have attended training and can't explain the lubrication path is sent to study his books/notes again instead of complaining about more money, or what other people are supposed to do.

Have you written a lubrication strategy including making the lubrication route etc? I think the maint boss should be responsible or accuntable for this?