It’s important to comply with business rules (which can differ from state to state), so before you enter into business or move your business into a different location, make sure that you are well aware of the rules and regulations you may be faced with, and be sure to act accordingly.
Non-compliance can result in hefty fines being issued, jail terms being incurred, loss of reputation, and ultimately, the end of your business. Here is a guide on how to maintain the vehicles and tools that you may use in your business.
Maintaining all your company vehicles
If your business has its own vehicles, such as lorries, vans, or cars, make sure that their maintenance is up to date, as this is every bit as important as scheduled maintenance on all other machinery. Maintaining vehicles is very important to your business, your workers, and other road users. There can be hefty fines (or worse) connected with non-compliance and neglect of vehicles using the roads.
It does not take much effort, when organized, to have a rota of when your business vehicles go in for their yearly MOT testing to check that they are roadworthy, or that they carry the correct insurance and that it is regularly renewed.
There are times, either yearly—or if the vehicle is used on long trips, every 12,000 miles—when it is highly beneficial to have your vehicle serviced. This will keep it in tip-top condition, your engine oil will be changed, and they may change your filter. Your lights, tires, and exhaust will be checked, as well as the standard of your brakes and steering. Your engine will be tuned to make sure that it is running at its optimum performance, and they will also check your hydraulic and coolant fluid levels.
You may find it beneficial to use the same garage for all your vehicles’ needs. For instance, booking in for MOT and car service in Nottingham (if that is where you are based) will be easier than going to different places for each. It also pays to stay local and get to know the team who are looking after your businesses interests.
Calibrating your business tools
It is important to play by the rules of the state that your business is located in, as it may be that one particular state does not require tool and equipment calibration.
Calibration is a way of maintaining instrument accuracy. If you are working to drawings or have a goods inward department within your business, you may find it beneficial to use calibrated tools. By using calibrated tools, you are improving your safety, and saving money by avoiding the costs of false acceptance and the rejection of products. It can also increase profits (as well as productivity) and extend equipment life.
It is best to hire a qualified and professional business to come in and calibrate all your business tools and equipment where it is required. They will make sure that all equipment given to them is awarded a sticker, which will highlight the date the item was calibrated and when it is due for its next calibration. They will also hand you any paperwork required to confirm that the calibration has been carried out and which pieces of equipment they have inspected.
It is perfectly acceptable to calibrate a tool or machine before the due date. However, should the due date pass and the item not be calibrated, then it should not be used. It should be taken out of circulation and be put in a safe place to await calibration.
