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From the Top Down

“From the top down” describes an approach for managing companies. It may also describe an effective way to perform infrared inspections.

During the performance of infrared inspections of electro/mechanical equipment in high-rise facilities, efficiently moving between floors can be a challenge. Waiting for elevators can be especially time consuming; climbing stairs with tools and instruments can be physically taxing.

One solution is to begin the infrared inspection at the uppermost floor or roof level. Upon completing the inspection of all equipment on the subject floor, proceed to the next lower floor via the stairwell. Doing so usually requires less than a minute, compared to the lengthy wait often required to catch an elevator.

When using stairways to move between floors, make certain that:

• Affected personnel are notified of the inspection activities
• Inspectors have keys or doorway lock combinations to enter occupied spaces from the stairwell
• Fire/security alarms will not be tripped when moving into or out of stairwells
• Tripping hazards are not created by test equipment or tools

Upon leaving a subject floor via the stairwell, check to ensure that doorways close completely and lock in accordance with site security requirements. For more information on performing infrared inspections of electrical and mechanical systems, contact Infraspection Institute at 609-239-4788 or visit us online at: www.infraspection.com.