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Kicking the tires and lighting the fires isn’t enough

A piece of equipment just returned off a rental contract and is scheduled to quickly return to the field. Before it does, it must be thoroughly inspected before the next rental. Every time…no matter how long the last rental contract…no matter the length of the next contract.

The key word here is thorough. Consider a rental-ready inspection similar to that of a quarterly inspection. And, if the machine is close to a service interval, get that out of the way before sending it back out into the field, since you never really know how many hours will be put on it before it is returned.

Then give the equipment a thorough inspection.

Consult the manual…

• Equipment manuals should not be ignored, they will give you an overview of the proper inspection maintenance and service procedures and forms.
• Make sure it is the right manual for the model series you are inspecting.

Manufacturers are constantly updating equipment designs and features to meet the market’s needs, and you may miss an important inspection item if you are using an old manual.

Legible decals…

• Machine decals, especially safety decals, have been installed for a reason, so make sure they are all installed, and legible (i.e. free of dirt and damage).
• Use a stiff nylon brush with mild soap and water to clean dirt, grease, paint or grime off of the decals. If you’re not able to clean the decal sufficiently, replace it.
• Look for scratches, weld slag or other permanent marks on decals.

Minor scratches or blemishes are okay, but if you cannot read a word, then it’s time to replace the decal.

Ground control to Major Tom…

• The upper controls are important to inspect, but don’t forget the ground controls.

You must inspect both the upper and ground controls to make sure both are in proper working order.

Making sure both sets of controls work properly will avoid a potentially serious situation if the upper controls stop working when the basket is in the air.

• Use the service manual to verify that all speed functions are within spec limits.

Preset factory speeds for travel, lift, etc. may start to vary as time goes by, so verify that the machine speeds are working appropriately.

Sometimes speed controls can be tweaked by customers in the field, so it’s a good practice to always review operating speeds upon a rental return.

Safety first…

• Always check with the manufacturer for any open safety bulletins. While you’re at it, also make sure that the ownership record is correct so that any potential future bulletins can be sent directly to you.
• Make sure that all machine safety features are working properly.
• Inspect safety cut-offs, tires, alarms, beacons, etc. to make sure they are all working properly.

Following the above tips to make sure your machine is rental ready for the next customer and will help to make sure the equipment operates as designed in the field and save you service calls for down equipment.

Learn more about OSHA's National Safety Stand-Down Week May 2nd 6th by visiting: https://www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown/