4 tips to prepare your fleet for hire

Equipment hire and plant hire are important processes in any construction project, whether people are hiring a crane, bobcat, scissor lift, even a portable toilet, they must be aware of the health and safety requirements, method of operation and what gear to use when. Four steps can help you get your gear ready for hire and make your equipment hire business attractive to those looking for your services.   

1. Health and safety certification 

Before hiring plant or equipment contractors will request proof that the item is compliant with the applicable health and safety regulations and meet Australian standards. You will be required to present proof that the gear has up-to-date checks and has the the necessary safe-use information. 

2. Provide adequate advice and information 

As the owner and supplier of the plant and equipment, it's your responsibility to ensure that the customer is hiring the right item for the work they need to complete. After confirming that the right gear is being used, you must outline any certificates or qualifications required for operating the plant or equipment. Confirm the customer is aware of safe operation, use and maintenance. 

Potential information to provide:

• Data sheets, brochures or checklists
• Erection or assembly instructions 
• Skills or qualifications needed for operation 
• Operator's manuals 
• Description of required PPE

3. Up-to-date inspections and maintenance 

All inspections, maintenance and safety information should be up-to-date, remove any outdated information to avoid confusion. Ensure any faults have been assessed and dealt with by a certified manufacturer. Between hire periods, complete thorough checks and services so that the gear is ready for the next hire project. Make sure the maintenance team is well trained and are keeping inspection and service logs. 

4. Register fleet for all states in which it will operate 

If your fleet will be operating interstate, it's important that it's registered and certified for operation outside of where your business is based. Whether you're responsible for bobcat hire in Sydney, mini excavator hire in Melbourne or crane hire in Brisbane, you must ensure your fleet meets the local health and safety standards and that your customer is aware of all the certifications and licenses required in that particular state. It's likely that the standards will be very similar or even the same from state to state but as the supplier you're liable and it's your responsibility to ensure you've covered all the bases.  

If your gear is well maintained and you provide your customers with the information to select the right item, operate it and maintain it throughout the project they'll be more likely to return and hire equipment though your business again. To help you prepare plant such as rollers, excavators, earthmoving machinery etc. for site we've created a mobile plant compliance checklist to ensure your gear gets approved for onsite use.