Did you know that valves, joints and other mechanical components on an apparatus need regular exercise? Otherwise, they can corrode, stiffen and potentially lock up.

The old saying "use it or lose it" applies to many mechanical components. Without regular use, corrosion can form, deposits can build up, grease can stiffen and a variety of other problems can develop. What's worse, not using components regularly can allow serious malfunctions to go undetected.

Some of the checks that need to be performed as part of your regular preventive maintenance program include opening and closing all the valves in the pump system, unwinding and rewinding the booster hose from its reel and actuating the monitors in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Also check the operation of the slide-out trays in compartments, the manual or electric actuators and locks on elevating lights and the mechanisms of the drop-down ladder and folding tank racks.
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This feature offers a variety of short tips and facts about apparatus maintenance and testing. Look for it every month. Submissions of 150 words or less are welcome from our readers, subject to editing. Send them to Senior Editor Chris Cavette at cavettes@ix.netcom.com.