Abstract
M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
This mini dissertation describes the development and implementation of Risk Based
Inspection and Maintenance termed RBIM for Eskom’s Power Generation Fleet. This study is
as a result of the changes in the regulations governing vessels under pressure.
The current fleet of Eskom power stations consists of 87 power generating units including
Koeberg with a net capacity of 42000 MW. The challenge with the current fleet is that 63
units have either reached or exceeded their design life which poses legal and regulatory
compliance threat to Eskom.
To be compliant to legal and regulatory requirements Eskom had to comply with in-service
inspection and testing interval requirements referred to regulation 11.1.d or implement
regulation 12 of the PER in the face of load shedding. Eskom could not afford extended
outages due to maintenance and opted of the implementation of a certified risk based
inspection and maintenance management system. The aim of risk based inspection and
maintenance is to improve safety, pressure equipment integrity, reliability, availability and
maximized plant life.
This mini dissertation looks at how RBIM process was developed, implemented and certified
in the Eskom Power Generation fleet specifically 10 Power Stations. Audit reports from
certification body and internal audit reports were analyzed to establish the integration aspects
of the RIMAP process and ISO 9001 requirements, as well as the role played by quality
assurance of, as well as the role played by quality assurance officers in the implementation
and sustainability of the RBIM process.
The outcome of the study revealed that there are a lot of similar requirements from RIMAP
process requirements and ISO 9001 requirements that can be integrated to function
holistically. The results also indicated that quality assurance officers have an important role to
play in guiding the implementation, certification and sustainability of the process through
continual improvement.
The mini dissertation then concludes with the recommendations for power stations and other
organisations wishing to implement such a framework and the need for future research.