Powering Health

Home » Topics »

Manitenance Logs and Checklists

Maintenance logs need to be updated periodically. This temperature log in Haiti was out of date. (Photo: Jeff Haeni)

Maintenance logs and task checklists should be maintained for all on-site energy supply equipment.

The logs serve as a record of maintenance and service performed on the system, and provides a way for health facility staff and maintenance and repair service providers to communicate. Service providers can review the logs to help identify technical problems with the system, or problems with the way the system is being used or operated. The logs also provide a historical record of the system that can be used in planning system expansions or other improvements.

Operation and maintenance task checklists are intended only as guidelines to develop log sheets. Each health facility should develop task lists and log sheets with the participation of a qualified engineer or technician based on the equipment installed at the facility.

The Energy System

• Daily monitoring and log keeping of system use.
• Periodic training in emergency shut down procedures, as well as the meaning of alarms.
• Maintaining a spare parts inventory.

Lighting

• Check electrical connections.
• Clean lamps to maintain brightness levels.
• Replace burned out lamps and ballasts.

Medical End Use Equipment

• Clean equipment, and check for worn insulation on electrical wires and loose electrical connections.
• Follow manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.
• Check that power quality is sufficient. If power quality deteriorates, it may be necessary to invest in power conditioning equipment such as voltage regulators or UPS systems in consultation with engineering experts.

Batteries

• Check electrical connections.
• Check for corrosion and clean terminals.
• Check water levels and top up (for lead acid battery types).
• Ensure that batteries are fully charged on a regular basis, at least once every four to six weeks.
• Replace the battery bank, typically every two to five years for lead acid and five to ten years for sealed gel batteries if well maintained.
• Manage hazardous materials storage and disposal: recycling of spent batteries, managing electrolyte spills for lead-acid batteries.

Generators

• Maintain fuel and lubricating oil levels.
• Change oil and oil filter based on manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Ensure periodic servicing by a qualified mechanic: Check and tighten bolts, replace fuel filter.
• Conduct minor and major overhauls at regular intervals.
• Manage hazardous materials storage: diesel fuel, motor oil; and used motor oil disposal.

Photovoltaic Panels

• Clean solar panels with water and a soft cloth, ranging from every day during the dry season in some countries to every month in less dusty areas.
• Check electrical connections.
• For systems equipped with adjustable mounting racks, the array must be seasonally adjusted.
• Check for shading from growing trees or new buildings.

Battery Charge Controller

• Check electrical connections

Inverters

• Check electrical connections
• Replace, typically every five to seven years.