There are many cases where it is necessary to rent equipment for use in your facility. Renting it for the duration of the project or a specific task is also a cost-effective option. In most situations, renting equipment is an easy process where you get what you were looking for and don't experience any problems. However, renting equipment can occasionally be quite a hassle, which is why it is crucial to always inspect the equipment before taking it and periodically after you have used it.

Safety Challenges of Rented Equipment

Rented equipment can cause some safety challenges for the people working with it. The staff may not be as familiar with how the equipment should be used or may not recognize its hazards in the workplace. That is why rental providers must ensure that their machinery is properly maintained and fit for the purpose. But, you should be careful, too. Never assume that rented equipment is in perfect shape. It's always possible that the last user has damaged the equipment or that some part may need maintenance.

Here are some critical steps and reasons why equipment inspection is so important and how it can ensure the safety of your employees and business operations:

1. Before renting the equipment, double-check to ensure that the equipment in question has been vetted and checked thoroughly, with mandatory maintenance being carried out periodically.

2. Perform a thorough inspection before each use. Check everything from lights, tires, tracks, hydraulic hoses, fluid levels to safety appliances such as backup alarms. Make sure that brakes are working correctly with the brake lights. Apart from brakes, make sure that both the side view and rearview mirrors and hand brake systems are functional. Also, make sure to check the wheels for signs of heavy usage, as this can impact optimal performance.

3. Give it a close physical examination. Examine the exteriors for signs of external damage. Inspect the items from checking for leaks, dents, hydraulic leaks, and more. Pay close attention to the radiator since a radiator problem will cause the machine to malfunction and eventually break down, leading to a loss of time and money. So make sure to give the equipment a detailed inspection, one that involves checking out the undercarriage as well. This should give you an idea of the wear and tear that the machine has been subjected to, so you can make a call on whether to rent this particular model or not.

If equipment inspection isn't performed, it can cause many issues, including being legally liable (by OSHA in the U.S. or by the applicable authority in other countries, such as the Ontario Ministry of Labour in Canada) for any missing or broken parts.

Take Away

With regular inspection, you make sure that the rented equipment is in top shape and can handle the most demanding jobs. Most importantly, thorough assessments of rented equipment will ensure the safety of your personnel. This way, you can get projects done on schedule, knowing the equipment is in good condition.

If you'd like to learn more about the inspection process or take the next step toward conducting your daily, weekly or annual inspections, The Checker is here to help. All of our checklists are available as software or Checklist Books. Feel free to browse our checklist library to find the inspections you want.