Operability and Maintainability Analysis Technique
...OMAT is a "beyond standards" method which focuses on operational and maintenance tasks....
The Operability and Maintainability Analysis Technique (OMAT) is a task orientated assessment process, performed by OEM’s with the assistance of mine site users.
OMAT is a task-oriented process which systematically examines the health and safety hazards imposed on operators and maintainers of earth-moving equipment. This qualitative hazard assessment technique distinguishes relative levels of hazard to highlight the priority design concerns.
Hazard management practices are most effective when incorporated early in the equipment design life cycle. OMAT is a 6-step process that aligns with and spans across the OEM design milestones and ideally begins at the concept phase of the design process.
A modified version of the OMAT can also be used at a mine site during operation or modification phases of existing equipment or to address any residual hazards specific to their site on newly purchased equipment.
OMAT has been developed in alignment with EMESRT vision, specifically by providing processes for user engagement and the application of design philosophies. The technique uses the design philosophies as criteria for evaluation. For example, if a philosophy emphasis minimising manual handling, OMAT checks whether maintenance tasks require heavy lifting. Findings from this process feed back into design improvements.
The design philosophies and OMAT, create a closed-loop process: Philosophies guide design, OMAT validates design, feedback informs redesign.