David Moate

Background

About David Moate

Starting out my career as a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice at TATA Steel UK Limited, I worked my way up to a mechanical team leader responsible for 19 mechanical craftsmen, lubrication engineers and cleaning crew. Working with ageing equipment in a hostile environment, our team carried out routine maintenance alongside major improvements to allow continued safe use. After moving to Zurich Engineering as an Engineer Surveyor, I was responsible for carrying out thorough examinations on all types of lifting equipment and machines. Daily planning and client relations were a vital part to the home working role. My role at SGS mirrors the Engineer Surveyor role at Zurich with some additions. The major area of interest regarding thorough examinations at SGS revolves around high risk equipment including overhead cranes unto and above 500te, ship to shore container handling cranes and heavy lift equipment. We also carry out PUWER inspections, structural inspections, and other consultancy where required by our clients. The other half of my role in SGS is in creating a new business line from the ground up. In the UK I am the only API653 inspector currently employed by SGS. To ensure the new business line meets SGS quality and independance procedures I am tasked with the creation of all Procedures, Risk Assessments, Reporting style forms and integration into the existing quality manual. I also act as the technical engineer for Storage Tanks. My move to Lebus Upholstery Ltd was initially to stabilise the engineering department and create the necessary systems and procedures. After 12 months, asset availability has increased from circa. 40% to over 98%, with proven zero mechanical component failure in 7 months. The energy management section of my role has proven results, completing several big wins and investments to reduce electricity costs by 9% saving an average of over 12 months.