Staff training. Equally important is employee training in emergency response procedures and non-emergency functions such as OSHA-mandated lock-out/tag-out procedures, chlorine handling, changing filters, chemical spills, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Preventive maintenance schedule. Every plant should maintain a preventive maintenance schedule that tracks the maintenance required for its unique equipment set. This information is found in each system's owner's manual and should be easily merged into a single reference guide.
Equipment maintenance and repair records. Plants also should document the work performed on each piece of equipment. Records should include the date of the procedure, the exact work done, who performed the work (e.g., vendor or staff member), the parts used, and the time required. Knowing the frequency of repairs, for example, also helps a plant identify equipment replacement needs.
Physical plant security. Since Sept. 11, 2001, water vulnerability has become a big issue, and water treatment plants around the nation are stepping up efforts to make their facilities more secure. The level of security needed depends, in large part, on your city's allocated budget, risk assessment and unique level of vulnerability. At Huber Heights, we've addressed this security issue by investing in alarm systems on all of the plant windows and doors, an automatic gate that controls access to the entire plant, fences surrounding the entire plant, and a surveillance camera.
While creating or upgrading a water treatment plant is a multi-faceted and often time-consuming endeavor, a sound strategy focusing on quality and service to your customers is the key to success.
— Inman is an operations manager for Earth Tech, overseeing the Rip Rap Road Water Treatment Plant in Huber Heights, Ohio.
O&M manuals at a glanceAs you create your facility's O&M manual, don't forget these vital components:
Permits, standards, and regulations (available through your local/state EPA representative):
Water quality standardsDrinking water specificationsPretreatment rulesPersonnel licensing requirements.Operation and controls
Type of water plant (e.g., gravity filtration system, ion exchange, softening plant)Source of raw water (e.g., groundwater, service water)Plant processes, from well to effluent.Preventive maintenance
Equipment-specific schedulesProper PPE for service and repairsVendor contact numbersEquipment emergency repair numbers.Emergency operating plan and procedures
Specific procedures for each type of emergencyEmergency chain of commandDisaster recovery locationContacts and phone numbers for governing agencies (e.g., EPA, hazardous materials, fire department).Staffing requirements
Number of staff members requiredRequired licenses for your type of plant.Safety requirements
OSHA requirementsHazardous materials communication proceduresLock-out/tag-out processes.