Why it’s important to service your welding equipment regularly
When using any type of equipment, it is important to maintain and service it regularly. For example, if you will be welding as part of your mining project, you will need to be sure that your arc welding equipment is well taken care of. This is because damaged or old welding machines might not function correctly when in use and can become hazardous.
You will need to service your welding consumables at least twice a month to keep them in good condition. Be sure that all welding helmets and protective clothing are cleaned and repaired or replaced if need be in order to ensure your workers are always safe.
If your workers will be working in close contact with molten metal when welding, they will need to be protected. To find out more, read on for the reasons why it is important to regularly service your welding equipment.
It will save you money
This might not be the first thought in your mind but keeping your arc welders and other equipment in good condition can help you to save money. This is because you will not have to replace expensive equipment for each project but can rather continue using what you already have until you need to replace it.
If you keep your equipment clean and inspect it on a daily (while working on a project) or weekly basis you will find that you will not have to perform as many repairs. This means that you will be spending less money on your equipment and can use this money on important issues, such as training your staff or offering them health benefits.
It will keep your workers safe
Keeping your workers safe is of vital importance to any mining project. And this is why you need to ensure that your equipment is maintained. If there are any issues, such as a MIG welder not having a long enough wire, this could mean that your workers cannot perform their jobs correctly and safely.
Other issues could be that the valves on the shielding gas cylinders might not be closed correctly, which could cause leaks that lead to explosions. Your workers should be briefed in the correct storage and maintenance of these cylinders as they are a vital component of the job. Be sure that the weld area where the work is taking place is not cluttered, as the equipment can send up sparks that are dangerous around any flammable materials or items.
Your equipment will last longer
Maintaining your welding consumables and equipment will ensure that they will last for a longer period of time. This is important if you use certain pieces for specific projects, as niche equipment can be expensive and difficult to source. Train your workers on how to care for the equipment so that they can carry out any fixes on the spot if necessary.
With equipment lasting longer, you will be able to take on more jobs and projects without having to repair your equipment first. This will also mean that your equipment is always safe and ready to use when the time calls for it. Be sure to keep your consumables in good condition too, as any helmets, clothing and gloves which have holes, tears, and dirt on them will not be usable when your employees are welding.
You will have a clear record of issues
When you repair, replace, or maintain your equipment, it is important to keep a well-written and easy to understand record of everything you did to the machinery. For example, if you had to replace any wires in a MIG welder, it is important that your workers know this before working with the machine.
Having a clear record will also help with any warranty or leasing issues as you will be able to explain any repairs or replacements. This record could be digital and kept in a Cloud storing system so that all of your workers can access it from their devices. This will allow them to access it wherever and whenever they need to and add to it if necessary. By updating the maintenance records regularly, no problems will go unnoticed. This will ensure the safety of your workers and the equipment.
Productivity levels will rise
If there is one major advantage to take note of when it comes to maintaining equipment, it is that the levels of productivity of your workforce will rise. This is because they will be using equipment that has been maintained and cleaned and this means that it will operate smoothly and efficiently.
Your workers can perform at a higher level and complete projects on time and within budget, if they use equipment that is safe, secure, and up-to-standard. They will also feel that you care about their well-being when you provide them with equipment that works well and will remain loyal to your company. Include your workers in the maintenance strategy meetings so that they can give you input into the best possible practices.
