Beware of inadequate servicing

As the economy continues to bite hard, companies are understandably thinking of cutting costs by not investing in new equipment, and relying on existing machinery.

Yet, according to Thorworld Industries, this means that it is more important than ever that users of loading bay equipment commit to a rigorous maintenance programme to ensure that their equipment is safe and effective.

“We’ve seen companies are going to local inspectors, who are untrained in the specification of certain types of loading bay equipment. As a result, they are inspecting and certifying yardramps and dock levellers, for example, under the wrong regulations, and missing crucial safety features. Not only does this mean that companies are not meeting their legal requirements, but it does not address potential safety hazards and equipment breakdowns,” John Meale explains.

“It’s accepted that the manufacturer of any piece of equipment will provide the most robust and appropriate preventative maintenance, but it’s clear that the same applies to inspections. In times when existing equipment is being worked longer and harder in lieu of the lack of investment in new products, it’s absolutely vital to get it right.”