When it comes to industrial equipment, whether loading bay equipment, scissor lifts or industrial doors, harm prevention is key. After all, without it you can bet your bottom dollar that if something is going to break down it will do so in the middle of winter or during a busy period.
Sudden breakdowns which necessitate emergency technician callouts can be expensive. This is why leading suppliers of industrial equipment recommend regular proactive maintenance and servicing to keep equipment functioning correctly.
In addition, every year, scores of workers are injured when using faulty or worn equipment. This is why the government has issued guidelines with reference to machine safety in workplaces.
With all this in mind, here are some reasons why proactive maintenance can be wise both in terms of workplace safety and cost reduction.
Prevention of equipment failures
Harsh weather such as heavy rain, frost, strong winds or snow and ice can contribute to wear and tear on machinery. Regular maintenance ensures that critical components such as seals, bearings, belts and electrical connections receive regular inspections. Then, necessary repair work can be done before any failure occurs. When you take steps to avoid sudden breakdowns you can avoid emergency repair costs and reduce downtime, each of which can be remarkably expensive.
Extends the lifespan of equipment
In any kind of industrial equipment which is used every day, regular cleaning, lubrication and updating of protective treatments will prevent rust, corrosion or freezing. These are a common occurrence in our winter weather; proactive maintenance can help keep up with small problems to avoid them becoming insurmountable.
Equipment which is protected and shielded from harsh weather conditions will likely need fewer replacements, and will last its allotted lifespan.
Improves energy efficiency
Well-maintained equipment operates more efficiently and uses less energy. For instance, HVAC systems and generators use more energy when they are clogged or otherwise malfunctioning due to weather-induced issues. Dock shelters and seals, with regular inspection and repair if necessary, can minimise heat loss in a loading bay area.
High quality equipment which is properly maintained according to a set service schedule can help improve business energy performance. Plus, by optimising energy consumption a business can see lower operating costs.
Reduces downtime
For every hour a piece of equipment is out of use and workers are unable to complete essential tasks, the costs rack up. Harsh weather often causes delays in equipment repairs due to supply chain issues or inaccessibility. Proactive inspections and servicing minimises the chance of a weather-induced breakdown and enables consistent productivity.
Drives improvements in workplace safety
Faulty and dangerous equipment is a serious safety risk and the risk to workers increases in adverse weather. For example, a piece of equipment with poorly maintained hydraulics could potentially fail in colder or hotter temperatures, leaving operator safety compromised. All workplace accidents whether minor or serious could land a company with costly liability claims.
Proactive and routine maintenance of equipment used regularly by workers ensures compliance with health and safety regulations thereby avoiding penalties and expensive legal issues.
Helps to lower insurance costs
Faulty or broken equipment can result in an increase in workplace accidents in bad weather conditions. If these could have been avoided by proper equipment maintenance, insurance companies are likely to levy harsh penalties in the form of higher premiums.
Businesses which can show a commitment to worker and workplace safety and can demonstrate a lower risk of accidents or damage are more likely to enjoy reductions in insurance costs.
To summarise best practices for proactive maintenance, this can be demonstrated by:
- Weatherproofing. Exposed equipment should have regular applications of weather-resistant coatings where appropriate
- Regular inspections should be rigorously carried out throughout the year
- Utilise sensors to detect wear, corrosion or falls in performance
Investing in proactive maintenance can save on costly repairs and ensure uninterrupted service.
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