Have worked at new place for 2.5 years. Coal fired gen station. Have been trying, for about a month now to get the OK for a level 3 vibe course. Was asked by one of the higher ups, "You want to go back to school,Huh?" (concerning vibe training) Of course said yes, but thought, nows the time to bring up level 1 IR cert going down the tubes come Feb. So asked about possibly retaining cert by attending either IR conference or level 2 class (which I would prefer). Was told to put together a list of things that the cert would do to help the company. I have my own ideas but would like to get some input from others on the board. We do not have a camera on site but do have one at the home office that doesn't get used much from what I have heard. Thanks in advance for replies, and sorry if post makes no sense BEEN A LONG DAY

Subscribe to Uptime, at least two copies, one for yourself, the other one for bosses, co-workers, the Head Honcho in the company.
Cases like some "very expensive" toy getting dust under a pile of documents are regularly described, but more important, there are also a lot of articles giving guidance how to make a successful program, including tips on training and certification.

By the way it is free

I too am at the end of a long day so I may be missing your underlying question. Are you asking how to persuade your boss into keeping up your certification?

Thanks Steve, Will do that.
John, Yes I am trying justify renewing my cert. By the way have read many of your posts. my cert was obtained at my former job, left for economical and "job security" reasons @ 3 yrs ago. So have to reprove myself. Any input is deeply appreciated. Have already started my list of benefits. Checking roller/bearing condition on our conveyor systems, degradation of rubber lining for our absorber recycle pumps, visual verification of low or no oil flow on the same as above gear box lube oil systems, not to mention the electrical applications. If you can further this list I would appreciate it. Thanks for the reply.

There are many applications that can help justify an investment in both the technology and the people"”you!"”to use it correctly. Sounds like you have a good start on the list. But IR must be part of a larger program of "condition-based asset health management" if it is to pay real returns. In other words, you can find all the electrical problems in the world but if no one fixes them or deals with root cause issues, why bother?!

Investments in thermographers are vital and many managers gloss over this fact. I would urge you and your management to consider setting up a formal certification program based on the Guidelines of ASNT, the only viable criteria in the US and much of the rest of the world. Certification is based on training, documented qualifying experience and testing. With a formal program, everyone knows what it takes to do IR and recertification can be meaningful. I'm happy to provide you with additional information if you like. Just drop me a note at <jsnell"AT"the snellgroup"DOT"com> and I can you, or others who are interested, details.

I totally agree with you John. Having certs in vibe analysis, IR and airborn ultrasound I know that IR is just one of the many tools that corporations can utilize to "Give back to the bottom line". Will pass this on to the "higher ups" (again) and see where it goes. Thanks again for you valued input.