15 Things to Consider Before Installing Equipment
Did you recently purchase some equipment? Well, we have come up with a checklist with the following points and questions to consider helping delivery and installation go more smoothly.
Trucking
Who is transporting the equipment? How is it being delivered? Are there any special instructions? Is it being shipped internationally or domestically?
Storage
Be sure you know where you are going to store this equipment and that you have enough space for it. It sounds silly, but not taking this step can lead to many delays in productivity hurting your business.
Are you storing it indoors or outdoors? If outdoors, is it susceptible to the weather? Do you have the appropriate protection for it? If inside, is it accessible and usable for the employees who need to operate it?
Unloading
Make sure it is clear who will be unloading the equipment. Will it be Belco or you the customer? Whoever is delivering the equipment needs to know where in the facility to deliver it to. What, if any, equipment is needed to unload the new equipment? Is the unload location a dock or grade level?
Safety Courses
Do your employees who may be installing/operating this equipment need any additional safety training? No employer wants their employees to get injured, and of course, while employees might bemoan safety training, none of them want to get injured either.
PPE Requirements
What are the PPE (personal protective equipment) requirements? Do you need: vests, glasses, earplugs, steel toe boots, hard hat, masks, etc. How many of each will you need?
Not only do your employees need to know the correct procedures and parameters for installation and operation, but also the tools to actively be safe and maintain a safe work environment.
Bringing and Connecting Utilities to Equipment
Depending on what kind of equipment you are installing, you will need to hook it up to gas, electricity, air, water, etc. This can be handled by the customer, but Belco is also able to do this.
Restrooms and Break Area for Crews
Are there bathrooms at the site you will be installing the equipment? If not, those should be a high priority to install before any other work is done. Is there an established break area? This is less pressing than restrooms but still important.
Roof Penetrations
Will the equipment require new/more ? Be sure you know how many and what size so you can plan that out and not compromise the structural integrity of your roof. This is usually done by the customer but can also be handled by Belco.
Vent Lines
Similar to roof penetrations, this is usually done by the customer, but can also be handled by Belco, vent lines are a vital part of the equipment to channel smoke, steam, fumes, etc. away from whatever you are producing.
Codes & Permits
Do you need any special permits to install the equipment? Are there special NFPA or requirements that need to be met?
Are you using in-house Electricians and/or Millwrights?
Who is installing the equipment? Is it in-house labor or outside contractors? Are there any union and/or non-union requirements that need to be met?
A clear path to the work area
This is a given, but everyone needs a reminder sometimes. It is important to make a clear path to the work area so you do not damage the equipment you are about to install on any other equipment. Also, installations can get messy with tools and parts, but keeping the area as clean as can help minimize errors and potential injuries.
Good lighting in the install area
Another given. You need to see what you are doing, just do not set up so much it is blinding.
Power for equipment – 440 welders 110 power tools
Are you equipped to handle all the electrical needs for your equipment and welders? If not, then make the necessary changes so you are able to facilitate that.
Heat in building
This is essential for places with colder climates and during the winter months. In the summer months, air conditioning is the more pressing need.
Questions about Equipment Installation?
As a custom machine builder in Belding, MI, we strive to always provide the best experience for our customers. We are focused on not only delivering world-class products/systems but also providing immense value through high-quality customer service all the way through the process. Call us today at 616-794-0410 or visit our contact page.
