shop or who provide supply support to your shop, and with the other repairmen in your shop.
Whenever you need help from others, speak up and let them know. You can't do maintenance by
yourself. It's done by teamwork.
(5) Time. It takes time to learn to be a good repairman; it takes time to do any repair job properly. If
the supply people or the publications people don't have on hand whatever you need, it takes time
for them to fill your needs. Even with good individuals in a newly formed maintenance unit or
shop, it takes time to get all members working together as a team. But teamwork gets the
organization's mission--which is MAINTENANCE--accomplished.
3. LAYOUT FOR PRODUCTION
a. Introduction. You can get your job done easier, faster, and better if you apply some forethought
to layout and arrangement of your workplace. You can be your own '"efficiency expert" by applying
principles and techniques of work simplification and shop layout, which are discussed in b through f
below.
b. Tools. In setting up your workbench or workplace, arrange tools and instruments so that you
know where they are and can get your hands on them quickly, with minimum motion. For a while, keep a
check or tally on how often you use each tool or instrument. Those which you use or need most
frequently in your work are the ones that you should keep, if possible, within elbow or arm length's reach.
Once you have determined the frequency of usage for your tools, then you should decide on a definite
location or spot for each. Tools that have been issued to you, but that you don't need so often, can be
placed or stored conveniently inside the workbench or elsewhere in the shop area, such as in a lockable
locker, a tool crib, or other safe place. But those items that you use practically every day should be as
easy to find and get as is your wallet or pack of cigarettes. Besides positioning your tools 'according to
frequency of usage, you should also consider their being arranged according to sequence or order of
usage, especially if a given operation is to be done repetitively or on a production-line basis. Doing so
will help to assure complete, correct procedure more or less automatically or habitually. A definite place
for all tools, with their positions according to frequency and sequence of use, will keep you from
fumbling around for them, will save time, and will aid you in performing your job more efficiently and
more in the manner of a craftsman.
c. Parts. Repair parts and expendable shop supplies or materials should also be prepositioned for
the convenience of the repairmen. Some parts and supplies, especially the very common) most frequently
consumed ones, should be readily available and without delay to the repairman. Solder, friction tape,
plastic tubing or insulating sleeves, terminal lugs, nuts and bolts, and other maintenance supplies should
be placed for the convenience of all the repairmen working in the shop. Some shops have self-service
bins a few steps from each repairman's workbench.
d. Workpiece. This term refers to the item of equipment undergoing repair or servicing. You, as the
mechanic or repairman, should position the workpiece so you can work on it as comfortably and
conveniently as possible. Jigs, fixtures, cradles, and a number of other type devices are useful for
positioning communications-electronics equipment, especially the heavier items. When
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