A well-functioning power infrastructure is critical for public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, the energy sector and its workers are considered essential to maintaining the services and functions Americans depend on daily. But without proper maintenance services on equipment, many power plants could experience issues that lead to equipment failure and shutdowns.
Service needs don't stop
Utility power plant operations depend on water quality and the proper functioning of steam and water analysis systems (SWAS). Without sampling systems, plants wouldn’t be able to monitor corrosion and contaminates within the steam and water that passes through boiler tubes, turbines, condensate systems and other equipment. Unseen contamination would put plants at risk for equipment failures that could put them out of operation and keep them from producing energy for months.
Without proper sampling, plant operators are flying blind on the quality of steam and water entering the plant, potentially increasing downtime and likely equipment failure. That’s why regular maintenance and service are critical to ensuring these plants stay running for the well-being of our communities.
Maintain plant operations during coronavirus
Communicate regularly with your service partner
Frequent communication about your expectations for service and what protocols your plant is following to address emergent needs are critical during this time. These candid conversations ensure you are maintaining operations and preventing emergency call-out services.
Develop a cross-functional team mentality
Between illness and staffing shortages during the outbreak, it can be difficult to navigate equipment functionality, especially if the people who know your equipment best are not physically at the plant.
Ask your service provider to help educate a cross-functional team on how to properly maintain equipment to reduce the risk of equipment failure.
Be flexible and responsive
These are unprecedented times, and we’re all trying to navigate them as best as possible. Information about the coronavirus and our national, state and local responses to it changes daily, sometimes even hourly. This requires all of us to be flexible and responsive to proactively address any equipment issues during this time.
- Utilize local service providers where available. Local service providers reduce travel and hotel exposure, limiting everyone’s risk of transmitting or contracting coronavirus.
- Work with your service provider to discuss virtual support options. For example, shifting any scheduled on-site training to virtual training.
- Increase cleaning protocols. Follow CDC guidelines onsite and offsite, and conduct regular cleanings beyond the standard to ensure the safety of everyone in your plant.
Sentry ProShield Lifecycle Services has highly-trained technicians strategically situated across the United States to provide your personnel with technical support for you and your equipment. Pairing local service technicians to plants reduces travel and hotel exposure, limiting everyone’s risk of transmitting or contracting coronavirus during this uncertain time.
