In the EH&S business, safety equipment is a critical component for any successful job. Monitors, safety equipment, air systems, and other equipment is necessary to much of the work our customers do on a daily basis. That equipment is also expensive and can take a long time to maintain it when it’s not being used.
Instead of spending money on equipment and dealing with malfunctions when it’s not maintained well, customers have another option. Renting equipment gives customers the flexibility to use state-of-the-art technology when they need it, and without the required maintenance to keep it working well. Let’s look at the difference between buying equipment versus renting it from safety experts like the ones at SITEX.
Well-maintained safety equipment is not a nice-to-have, it’s a must. Having reliable equipment can mean the difference between a safe worksite and a dangerous one. But keeping up with the latest equipment can be challenging. Think of it like buying a new phone every year, but in this case you’re buying safety equipment for multiple employees to ensure their safety. Those costs add up quickly.
From a business perspective, it can be hard to justify that kind of expense. Safety is a top priority for any company we work with, and making sure every employee has the ability to go home after a shift is crucial. But with the difficult times many companies are facing due to the pandemic, there is a need to cut costs when possible without jeopardizing employee safety.
Many of our clients are in industries like oil and gas or energy where outages and turnarounds are commonplace. These complex projects require specialized equipment that is only used during these processes. So what does a company do with this expensive equipment when it’s not being used? More often than not, that equipment is stored somewhere and forgotten about until it’s needed again. That’s a big investment for a piece of equipment that isn’t going to be regularly used. Plus, equipment like monitors or air systems need to be maintained and tested so they’re ready for the next job. Pulling equipment out of storage and hoping it’ll work correctly can lead to additional headaches if proper maintenance is not part of a company’s equipment investment plan.
Safety equipment maintenance comes in different forms. There’s the need to maintain equipment so it’s in working condition for the job. And there’s also testing that needs to be done on equipment that hasn’t been used regularly to avoid injuries or setbacks when it’s needed again.
Buying your own equipment means the company is responsible for that testing and maintenance. This may not seem like a large investment at the time, but it grows quickly. The first step is understanding how equipment works so you can better predict when it will need maintenance. After all, finding out your equipment is in need of maintenance the day it’s needed will not work well for anyone. Then there’s the issue of wear and tear.
Understanding the forms of wear your equipment will experience will enable you to respond to issues and create a predictable maintenance schedule. To do that properly, employees and supervisors need to be familiar with manufacturer specifications, and report anything out of the ordinary during equipment inspection. This requires routine inspections to see if equipment is working properly.
These routine inspections lead to the early identification of problems so that equipment can be repaired or replaced as needed. These repairs and replacements, of course, come with their own costs that will be absorbed by a company that bought its own safety equipment. While these may not seem like make it or break it issues, the headaches they can lead to in the long run can be problematic. In fact, it can lead some companies to see what their other options are.
Simply put, safety equipment rentals enable companies to get the equipment they need, when they need it and in optimal condition. Instead of researching the right equipment, dealing with suppliers, and making large investments in safety equipment, companies have the option to work with experts who know the safety space inside and out.
Plus, renting equipment means there is no need to maintain or replace expensive equipment, and it’s always ready to use when a customer requires it. In short, safety equipment rentals lead to the following benefits for customers:
Employee safety should be a top priority for any company. Keeping employees safe involves protocols, training, and the right equipment for the job. Instead of second guessing on which equipment is best or how to keep it working properly, turn to the safety experts at SITEX for your next safety equipment need.
Contact us today to discuss your equipment needs and see if safety equipment rental is right for you.
SITEX saves lives. For over 35 years we’ve delivered safety services, environmental services, industrial hygiene expertise, rescue solutions and training, and rental equipment to ensure compliance, reduce risk, protect workers, and promote safety in every industry. We invest in highly trained personnel and technology so you don’t have to.
