Benjamin Franklin says: The worst wheel of the cart makes the most noise.

For the purists, Lean Maintenance means there are few if any breakdowns. Most of the causes of the breakdowns have been dealt with in the PM system (wear out) operator training, or in machine operation simplification (Poke-a-yoke or mistake-proofing). In the real world, machines still break. Can we adopt an attitude of Leanness toward breakdowns?

Is it possible to make fire-fighting lean (or at least leaner?). The answer is yes. To figure it out, do this thought experiment: think about whom in our society is the best at dealing with emergencies? A few years ago we visited a local fire station with the kids. The issue with fires is to get to them as soon as possible with the right tools and supplies. Fire fighters have worked and re-worked this problem over the years.

On the floor outside each of the doors of the fire trucks was a set of boots and a (specific) pair of fire fighter's overalls, set up so that a fireman could step into the boots and pull up the overalls. The jackets, helmets, air packs, and entry tools, were on hooks in the truck. The truck's water and diesel tanks are always full, and the trucks are always ready for action. Can you imagine the cost in lives and property damage if each fire fighter had to stand in line at the parts window for his/her helmet or air pack? This fire...