The contest is open to all direct field mechanics (mechanics, adjustors and field engineers) employed by Otis Southern Africa, including Otis mechanics in neighbouring states. Each branch office nominates its top mechanic who attends a final contest at Otis in Johannesburg.
According to Shane Rupnarain, field operations department manager – Southern Africa, the qualifying criteria is based on Otis’ Field Preventive Audit (FPA) where a mechanic must be able to demonstrate his competence on site, as well as being judged on overall performance in their day-to-day work routines.
The contest comprises a written questionnaire relating to Otis’s safe practices and procedures for working on lifts and escalators, the design and quality of maintenance of elevators, as well as technical product knowledge. An additional practical evaluation involves a series of fault-finding activities with participants evaluated on the ability to identify the fault and have it repaired in the shortest time, following prescribed Otis safe working procedures and quality requirements on simulators housed in the Otis Training Academy.
This year the award was given to Nicky Vogel from Otis’ Pretoria branch who was selected based on his knowledge and skill in using a logical approach to systematically find a fault through the use of a schematic wiring diagram, the ability to repair the fault within the allocated time frame while following stipulated safety precautions and procedures.
