FAULT ANALYSIS OF X-RAY EQUIPMENT

Patricia Blake is a member of the Tallaght Hospital Planning Board Team. Prior to this work Patricia carried out an investigative project at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. This project was directed at an analysis of the type of break-downs which were occurring most frequently in the various X-ray suites of Beaumont Hospital and an investigation of value- for-money in terms of Service Contracts.

Introduction:

The repair and replacement of x-ray equipment requires special maintenance carried out by trained service engineers and is a costly procedure. The company contract does not necessarily cover all 'iipment breakdowns. The result is expensive service contracts as well as expensive maintenance costs. It is therefore important to have a recorded history of breakdowns of all equipment. Such records can provide an insight into:

1) cause of breakdown.
2) frequency of breakdowns.
3) economic justification for the replacement of equipment which is expensive to maintain.
4) maintenance expenditure.

The aims of the project carried out in Beaumont Hospital were
 to record all breakdowns in the department since it opened.
 to classify these breakdowns into sub/categories, e.g. mechanical, electrical, electronic, user induced and wear and tear, etc.
 to determine the frequency of breakdowns and the main causes of these breakdowns.
 to identify potential cost savings for the maintenance of equipment.

The project was assigned to me in the Radiology Department at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, during the period February 1996 to June 1996. The project consisted of recording all equipment over the last 6 years and classifying all breakdowns into sub-categories. The recorded data was then presented in an informative manner through the design of a Database written on Microsoft Access.

From the results obtained, the faults which occurred most frequently were primarily of an electrical and mechanical nature. It was also noted that some breakdowns were due to bad work practices which could be easily resolved.

This work has provided a solid fouodation whereby investigation into all Company contracts and maintenance can be carried out.