If you own a business, you know that you need to protect every penny you earn and spend. The last thing you need is to see your hard-earned profits go out the door on costs that could and should have been prevented. That’s why you need to protect your business equipment.
For many businesses, the equipment and machinery they use every day to get the job done are their most expensive assets. If something goes wrong and you need to repair or replace them, it can cost an enormous amount of money. Here is a guide to protecting your business equipment, so you don’t have to send money down the drain on repairs.
Insurance
At the top of the list for protecting your equipment is getting the right business and personal property coverage. Commercial property insurance covers you for your building and the surrounding property. Business and personal property coverage protects everything in and on the property. That means that your machinery, equipment, electronics, and inventory can all be protected in case of fire, water damage, theft, vandalism, and whatever else you have gotten coverage against. While insurance does not physically protect your business property, it does protect your business from having to pay out for massive replacement and repair costs.
Ensure You Have Proper Spacing
Sometimes, the culprit for equipment damage is a lack of space. For example, on a workfloor, you need to make sure that your employees can move easily between pieces of machinery, even if they are also moving large objects. Likewise, in a warehouse setting, there should be adequate space between racks to drive a forklift or other moving tool through the aisles safely and without being at risk of bumping into things. Having the proper spacing makes it much easier to avoid coming into contact with equipment that could get damaged at the time.
Training
It’s one thing to provide training so that workers know how to operate machinery. However, they must also know how to protect and maintain it. Does your equipment require regular inspections and maintenance? Is there a cleaning protocol needed to keep the metal pristine and the gears operating unhindered? Whatever it is, make sure that anyone who uses any equipment also knows the proper care and maintenance requirements. A little prevention goes a long way, and your equipment will not just avoid breaking down, but it will last longer, too.
Security
There are approximately 2.5 million break-ins every year. It would be best if you didn’t assume that you will avoid this fate. You can be a target if you have expensive equipment on site, such as electronics or tools. To prevent theft, make sure that you have not just locked exterior doors but locked doors for areas with valuable items. You can restrict access to those places to certain personnel who have to pass extra background checks for the privilege. You should also have a camera system in place. Make sure you put up signs proclaiming that you have security cameras on the premises, as they will deter would-be criminals from making an attempt.
Weather Proofing
If you have equipment that should not be out in the elements, make sure that the elements can’t get into your business. For example, get a professional to properly seal all of your windows and doors, so that hard rain doesn’t leak into the building. In addition, it would be best to get regular inspections of the roof and your eave and downspout system to avoid leaks. Finally, if you live in an area susceptible to extreme weather, you could put in a policy that electronics and other delicate items are stored in an area that is not likely to have an encroachment of water.
Plumbing and Electrical
Water damage doesn’t just happen from rain. It’s just as likely to occur because of a pipe leak or other plumbing problem. You may also be at risk of fire if there is an issue with an electrical outlet. Many outlets connected to large equipment are hidden behind them or are unique outlets specifically for that machinery. Make sure to have these inspected regularly. You can also have a plumber inspect your system to catch any issues before they get too serious. The last thing you want is to leave something uninspected and end up with thousands of dollars of damaged property as a result. If there is a fire, the best thing you can have in place is a sprinkler or other fire suppression system to put it out or control it as best as possible.
Proper Storage
Chemicals and other dangerous substances could pose a significant threat to your equipment and property and affect you and your employees. Ensure that things like propane are stored in OSHA-approved safety containers in appropriate locations. Also, your staff should be trained in handling these materials so that nothing gets loose and causes damage or injures a worker.
Proper Protection From the Sun
If you have equipment that is outside but should not get too hot in the sun, then you have to provide it protection as well. Too much heat can cause construction equipment to overheat and break down, for example. If possible, cover up your equipment that is not in use overnight and on weekends. You may also be able to avoid using this type of equipment during the hottest hours of the day. If there are electronic components, put them in sleep mode or turn them off since they will not be as hot when the power isn’t on.
Other than your employees, your equipment is the most valuable group of assets your business has. Although it would be best if you protected them with insurance, that won’t prevent damage or destruction from occurring in the first place. To make sure that you aren’t spending big money on repairs and replacements, follow these tips to keep your equipment safe at all times.
