Hiring Equipment: The Top 7 Safety Tips to Consider

Not every company can afford essential equipment for production. Furthermore, not all machines are utilized daily. In these two scenarios, a company may hire equipment instead of buying. Hiring equipment is a cost-effective option that ensures companies carry out operations without spending money on buying equipment.

If you are hiring equipment to meet your short-term needs, you want to ensure the machines you get are quality and in good working condition. You also want to confirm that they meet all the safety standards to keep your company and employees safe. Therefore, when hiring equipment, here are the top seven tips to ensure safety.

Inspection

We cannot insist enough on inspecting machines before hiring them. After all, how will you know they have been well-maintained? How will you know they meet safety standards and there are no issues? Therefore, machines have been adequately inspected and undergone the test and tag process to confirm their working condition and capacity.

Check Physical Condition

Another vital thing you must do is check the physical condition of the machine. That means looking for scrapes and dents. Too many of them can raise safety issues. A good supplier should be able to deliver high-quality machines that have been well-maintained and are in top-notch condition.

Know the Age of the Machine

The age of the machine also plays a vital role in determining the safety of your workplace and employees. Old machines have obsolete parts. Furthermore, they don’t have additional safety features like modern machines. Therefore, whenever you are hiring equipment, always consider the age.

Don’t Ignore Warning Signs

Most heavy machines are equipped with warning lights to alert you when something is wrong. If you notice these lights during operation, don’t ignore them. Stop using the machine and have the issue inspected and fixed before the machine is put to use again.

It is also advisable to listen to weird noises coming from the machine. Know the origin of the noise and have it fixed immediately. After such warnings, continuing to operate the machine can cause severe damage and other safety issues.

Read Safety Instructions

Every machine has a safety guide that directs you to things to do and not do when operating the machine. The supplier will deliver the equipment with an operator guide instructing how to use the machine and basic checks. The safety guide also comes with maintenance instructions and how to notice and report an issue. Therefore, ensure you go through the guide before operating the machine.

Check Basic Controls

It is also crucial to ask the person delivering the machine to show you the basic controls. Such include how to switch on and off the equipment and fitting attachments. Knowing the primary things is vital, especially when you don’t have an expert operator in your company.

Check Customer Support

Ensure you can get help and technical support when you need it. Can the supplier provide a technician to rectify the issue if the machine breaks down? How long will it take before you get help? Equipment downtime can impact productivity in your company. So, ensure you can get help round the clock.

Conclusion

These are vital things you should consider when hiring equipment. They will confirm workplace safety and more productivity.