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Step 2: Make a Damage Control Plan

Copyright © 1996,2006 by Steve Litt -- Legal

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Before you do anything that could cause damage, determine appropriate precautions. Note that this implies that this step could actually be step 2 (before reproducing the symptom), step 3(after getting symptom description, if that action doesn't jeopardize anything), or step 4 (after reproducing the symptom, if doing so doesn't jeopardize anything). In no case should corrective maintenance be done before determining the proper precautions. The sooner a damage control plan is made, the safer. Unless you have a good reason to do otherwise, make this step 2.

The following are SOME examples. The list is no way comprehensive. YOU are responsible for safety and damage control.

• Safety precautions prevent injury to people.
  • Wear proper clothing.
  • No long hair or jewelry with machinery.
  • Eye and ear protection where there's a risk.
  • Make sure you're not creating a fire or explosion hazard.
• Machine precautions prevent damage to the machine or system.
  • Limit current if possible and short circuit damage a risk.
  • Screen incoming materials to prevent damage where appropriate.
  • Never short circuit fuses without limiting current another way.
  • Take any precautions including diagrams to assure correct re-assembly.
  • Back up programs and operating system.
• Data precautions prevent loss of valuable data.
  • Back up all at-risk data, including configuration data.
• Product precautions prevent loss of product in the production line.
  • Back up anything at risk in automated systems.
  • Limit the number of parts entering a malfunctioning machine
  • If practical, feed the malfunctioning machine scrap parts.

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