Ways to Maintain Your Business Equipment

Owning a small business like a shop can be rewarding, but you'll often face challenges along the way.

Purchasing equipment can be an integral part of your operations and, chances are, it’s one of your most costly expenses.

When you invest large amounts of cash in vital tools to ensure your shop runs smoothly, you expect items such as machinery to last for years. Many business owners also choose to take out shop insurance as an additional layer of protection.

As well as buying from reputable manufacturers, it’s important to ensure that you take proper care of such items by carrying out the following steps:

Servicing 

It’s essential that you correctly maintain your equipment to ensure it remains in good working condition and is safe for those who operate it. The best way to do this is by following manufacturer guidelines and making sure to conduct regular servicing. This can help identify and prevent any major problems before they become a serious issue that impacts safety or production.

Always use professional and qualified engineers to carry out repairs and servicing and, where applicable, make sure you receive a certificate for any work or testing that’s carried out. Make a note of when the next service is due so you can book any work in advance to minimise disruption.

Training

It’s also vital that all staff are trained properly in how to use any relevant equipment, especially concerning health and safety. As an employer, you’ll need to assess and manage any risks within the work environment and the use of certain items might pose a hazard. Explain the risks to all employees and ensure appropriate measures are in place to reduce or remove any hazards.

Additional training should also be provided if machinery is updated or replaced, with manufacturer instructions and guidelines available for all users.

Consider personal protective equipment

Depending on your business operations, you might need to provide additional PPE to ensure any machinery is operated safely and remains in the best condition. This might include:

• Gloves

• Masks

• Safety glasses

• Safety boots

• Hi-vis vest

• Ear protection

As an employer, you have a legal duty to protect staff so it’s imperative that you follow correct protocols when it comes to safety measures for your staff and company.

Finally, ensure that everyone you employ knows what to do in the event of a malfunction and put a plan in place for a backup solution should any machinery fail. Although it’s not always possible to guarantee the smooth running of any equipment, following these steps will ensure your business is in the best possible position to operate at its fullest and maximise productivity.