In the construction industry, downtime is very costly. If equipment is not stored correctly, it will likely develop faults, require expensive repairs, or postpone projects. You must store the construction equipment safely and efficiently to increase its life span and avoid countless interruptions in the working process. Proper construction equipment storage can be essential in preventing downtime on projects when handling large equipment and small tools.
Keep reading for some of the most significant tips regarding construction equipment storage and management requirements. Please adhere to these recommendations to ensure that your machinery remains in the best condition for projects at any given time.
The Importance Of Proper Construction Equipment Storage
Construction equipment is a significant investment because improper storage will reduce lifespan and cause many losses. Equipment that is not properly stored can suffer from:
- Rust as a result of exposure to water or harsh lighting conditions
- Damage from debris or accidents
- Mechanical problems due to inadequate and/or irregular servicing
Luckily, you can prevent these issues by using proper storage methods. Explore Murphy’s Rigging’s machinery and warehousing solutions for construction equipment storage.
Best Practices For Construction Equipment Storage
Knowing that the best practices for equipment will depend on the length of storage time. Here are some essential tips to ensure that your construction equipment storage is safe and effective.
Clean Equipment Thoroughly
You must clean the equipment regardless of whether storage is indoors or outdoors. If dirt, debris, and residue accumulate on the surfaces of the equipment, it will lead to wear and tear, rust, and other kinds of deterioration. When dealing with heavy machinery, such as joints, crevices, and undercarriages, mud and moisture can cause serious problems. Follow these steps to avoid issues:
- Wash off unnecessary debris with a high-pressure water sprayer
- Dry off equipment to prevent rusting
- Use sealant products like anti-rust sprays where needed
Perform Preventive Maintenance
Before storing your equipment, assess any signs of wear and tear. Not only will this keep your machinery in good condition, but the equipment won’t break down further in storage. Critical maintenance tasks include:
- Refill oil, coolants, hydraulic fluids, and other necessary liquids
- Check the condition of hoses, belts, and all rubber parts that wear down from the sun
- Apply lubricating oil to the moving parts so that they do not rust and stiffen
Choose the Right Storage Location
One of the most critical factors is the location of the construction equipment storage. Here are some important considerations when selecting a storage location for machinery:
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage: Whenever possible, store heavy equipment indoors so that it does not come into contact with weather elements, such as rain, snow, and even heat. When storage has to be outdoors, equipment should be covered with tarpaulins and elevated off the ground as much as possible.
- Temperature-Controlled Facilities: Temperature-controlled storage units can alleviate problems like broken parts or mold that come with freezing or overheating mechanical parts and fluids. Temperature-controlled warehouses are particularly useful in preserving equipment sensitive to harsh conditions.
- Secured Storage: It’s common for criminals to steal equipment from construction sites that lack security. We recommend that the storage location has quality fencing, lighting, locks, and cameras.
Elevate and Protect Machinery
In cases where the equipment is outside, you have to consider water accumulation due to rain, snow, and even morning dew. Please keep your equipment off the ground as much as possible to prevent subsequent corrosion and component failure. Follow these steps if your construction equipment storage is outside:
- Store smaller components or attachments in tight, waterproof containers.
- Use blocks or pallets whenever possible.
- Cover tires, hydraulic parts, and engines to prevent exposure.
Safety Tips For Heavy Machinery Storage
Storage of heavy machinery is necessary because it protects the equipment and, more importantly, the people in the vicinity. Please integrate general measures of construction equipment storage concerning safety to avoid mishaps. Furthermore, following these procedures will help guarantee that, at the time of using the machinery, everything functions correctly.
- Lockout And Tag out (LOTO) Procedures
Before storing heavy machinery, always follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures. This helps avoid certain dangers from arising, such as the accidental starting of machinery while it’s in storage and protecting workers from potential hazards.
- Turn off the equipment and pull out the plug from the source of electricity.
- Lock the controls to prevent unintentional operation.
- Attach tags to show that a particular piece of equipment is out of service.
- Store Hazardous Materials Separately
If your equipment requires hazardous fluids such as fuel, oil, or chemicals, ensure they are stored separately from the machinery. The materials are flammable and can lead to contamination when they are spilled. Thus, you must use suitable containment systems and storage.
- Use approved containers for the storage of fuel or any chemical substance.
- Check for leakage, especially in containers that are used frequently.
- Store toxic products in an open, ventilated area.
- Inspect Storage Areas Regularly
After storing the equipment, performing routine checks is imperative to ensure the storage materials are not damaged. Monitor the storage conditions, particularly in areas of fluctuating weather.
- Look for cracks, pitting, or penetrating indications of rust, corrosion, or moisture on equipment surfaces.
- Examine tarps, covers, and protection systems designed as a part of the vehicle’s construction for any tear or wear.
- Ensure the blocks or pallets are firm and unbreakable, especially if they have significant wear and tear.
5 Steps for Long-term Heavy Machinery Storage
Observing a specific sequence of actions in long-term heavy machinery storage is necessary. Here’s a quick guide:
Monitor Construction Equipment Storage Conditions: Monitor temperature and humidity frequently as well as security measures at the storage facility to suit construction equipment storage.
Remove Batteries: Some batteries have a shelf life, meaning that they are susceptible to degrading if not used for long periods. Take them off your equipment and put them in a cool, dry place to prolong their life.
Drain Fluids: Another approach involves draining fluids, such as fuel, oil, and coolant, where they are likely to degrade or leak during long-term equipment storage.
Seal Openings: Seal any exposed openings, like an exhaust pipe, a vent, or any other openings, to protect against sand, insects, water, and among others.
Rotate Equipment Periodically: Start the machinery periodically or shift it so that parts do not seize up.
Avoid Downtime With Proper Construction Equipment Storage
It is utterly crucial that you store construction equipment correctly to aid its performance and durability. Following the above tips, such as cleaning your equipment and selecting a proper storage location, should help you avoid machinery breakdown.
Murphy Rigging offers specialized heavy machinery storage and warehousing services if you need professional storage solutions for your equipment. Murphy Rigging is well-equipped to protect your investments and keep your projects on track. Avoid the effects of improper storage and guard your equipment with our trusted services.
By adhering strictly to the best tips for construction equipment storage in this blog, you can be sure that your machinery stays safe, fully operational, and ready to go – even during downtime.