Making Sure Your Store’s Equipment Stays in Working Condition

Running a store requires the use of a wide variety of equipment. The kinds vary, but examples include shopping carts, display racks, hand trucks and conveyor systems. Some stores may even have the need for large machinery and motorized tools, such as paint mixers, lifting equipment or refrigeration units. Taking steps to maintain equipment like this can save you money, prevent accidents and avoid lawsuits. Follow these tips for making sure your store’s equipment stays in working condition.

Train Staff on Maintenance Protocol

One of the first steps toward ensuring proper equipment maintenance is staff training. Employees should be given comprehensive training on how to use equipment, recognize problems and submit maintenance reports. No one person can see everything. You’ll need to rely on your staff to help in the mission to keep equipment in tiptop shape.

Clean Equipment Regularly

Most equipment needs to be cleaned to promote longevity, as dirt and debris can cause motors to overheat or restrict parts from moving freely. Be sure to read the manual or complete manufacturer training so that you really understand the cleaning process. Some equipment may simply need to be wiped down regularly, while others may require a thorough cleaning with specialized tools, such as air compressors like those found at Kruman Equipment Co. Along these lines, other maintenance issues such as part lubrication and changing of filters should be attended to regularly, as well.

Perform Routine Inspections

In addition to keeping things clean, routine inspections of your equipment can alert you to potential problems. Set up a schedule for taking an inventory of each type of equipment in your store and stick to it. Be sure to record the date of each inspection session in a logbook, along with a description of the equipment condition, for reference. You may need to hire contractors or professionals to perform certain inspections to be sure things are in order. This is a worthwhile investment, as some things are simply beyond your scope.

Make Repairs Immediately

When broken or faulty equipment is discovered, don’t wait to make repairs. Fix wobbly cart wheels, conveyor belts that stick or copiers that jam immediately. Never cut corners when something is broken. Doing so could cost you in the future through expensive repairs, or worse, an accident in which someone could get hurt. Also, by waiting to have your equipment repaired you can cause the damage to just keep getting worse and worse. That is definitely something that can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run. You want to be sure your equipment lasts as long as possible and that it functions safely. These tips are a good start to making sure your store’s equipment stays in working condition.