The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has released the results of the Certified Plant Mechanics Licensure Examination held in February 2024, with 65 out of 108 examinees successfully passing the test. Administered by the Board of Mechanical Engineering, the examination was conducted in various locations including N. C. R., Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, and Zamboanga.
Engr. Leandro A. Conti led the oversight of the licensure examinations as Chairman, alongside Engr. Jerico T. Borja and Engr. Lorenzo P. Larion as Members of the Board of Mechanical Engineering.
The Technological University of the Philippines-Manila emerged as the top-performing school in the February 2024 Certified Plant Mechanics Licensure Examination, boasting a passing rate of 92.31%. Out of the 13 examinees from the said institution, 12 successfully passed the exam, as per Commission Resolution No. 2017-1058(C) series of 2017.
Among the top performers in the examination, Aaron Gabriel Ilao Sigue from Technological University of the Philippines - Manila secured the top spot with a rating of 88.60%. Eric Su̱ega Trillana from Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Sto. Tomas followed closely behind, obtaining a rating of 87.65%. Jewel Albay Queliste from University of Perpetual Help System Dalta РCalamba Campus ranked third with a rating of 86.85%.
The successful examinees who garnered the highest places in the examination represent the dedication and excellence of mechanical engineering students across various institutions.
The PRC extends its congratulations to all the passers and acknowledges the efforts of the educational institutions in preparing their students for the licensure examination. These newly licensed plant mechanics are now equipped to contribute to the industry with their skills and expertise.
SOURCE:
PRC Philippines
PRC Philippines
Functions Overview of the Certified Plant Mechanic Profession
Certified Plant Mechanics (CPMs) are skilled professionals responsible for maintaining, repairing, and ensuring the efficient operation of machinery and equipment in industrial plants. Their work is crucial for the smooth functioning of manufacturing, processing, and production facilities. Here’s an overview of their functions:
1. Equipment Installation and Commissioning
- New Equipment Installation: Installing new machinery and equipment according to specifications and manufacturer guidelines.
- System Integration: Ensuring new equipment integrates seamlessly with existing systems.
- Commissioning: Conducting tests and initial runs to verify proper installation and operation.
2. Maintenance and Repair
- Preventive Maintenance: Developing and performing regular maintenance schedules to prevent equipment breakdowns.
- Predictive Maintenance: Using techniques such as vibration analysis, thermal imaging, and oil analysis to predict and address potential equipment failures.
- Corrective Maintenance: Diagnosing and repairing equipment faults and malfunctions as they occur.
- Overhaul and Rebuilding: Disassembling, repairing, and reassembling major equipment components to extend their operational life.
3. Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
- Fault Diagnosis: Identifying issues with machinery using diagnostic tools and techniques.
- Root Cause Analysis: Investigating recurring problems to determine their root cause and implementing long-term solutions.
- Technical Support: Providing on-the-spot technical support to resolve immediate equipment issues.
4. System Optimization and Upgrades
- Performance Tuning: Adjusting and fine-tuning equipment settings to optimize performance and efficiency.
- Upgrades: Implementing upgrades to machinery to improve efficiency, safety, or capacity.
- Retrofits: Modifying existing equipment to meet new production requirements or regulatory standards.
5. Safety and Compliance
- Safety Inspections: Conducting regular safety inspections to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
- Risk Assessment: Performing risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with machinery and equipment.
- Safety Protocols: Developing and enforcing safety protocols and procedures for equipment operation and maintenance.
6. Inventory Management
- Spare Parts Management: Maintaining an inventory of spare parts and ensuring critical components are always available.
- Procurement: Ordering and sourcing parts and materials necessary for maintenance and repairs.
- Inventory Tracking: Keeping accurate records of parts usage and inventory levels.
7. Documentation and Reporting
- Maintenance Records: Keeping detailed records of maintenance activities, repairs, and equipment performance.
- Compliance Documentation: Maintaining documentation required for regulatory compliance and audits.
- Reporting: Preparing reports on equipment status, maintenance activities, and incidents for management review.
8. Training and Development
- Skill Development: Continuously improving technical skills and staying updated with the latest technologies and best practices in plant maintenance.
- Training Staff: Training plant operators and junior mechanics on equipment operation, maintenance procedures, and safety practices.
- Mentorship: Mentoring apprentices and new mechanics to build a skilled maintenance team.
9. Project Management
- Planning and Scheduling: Developing maintenance plans and schedules to minimize downtime and disruptions to production.
- Resource Allocation: Allocating resources efficiently to ensure timely completion of maintenance and repair tasks.
- Coordination: Coordinating with other departments, such as production and quality control, to schedule maintenance activities.
10. Energy Management and Sustainability
- Energy Efficiency: Implementing measures to improve the energy efficiency of plant equipment and processes.
- Sustainable Practices: Adopting sustainable maintenance practices to reduce the environmental impact of plant operations.
- Waste Reduction: Developing and implementing strategies to minimize waste and improve resource utilization.
Certified Plant Mechanics play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of industrial operations. Their expertise in maintaining and optimizing equipment is vital for minimizing downtime, reducing costs, and supporting continuous production in various industrial settings.