6 Ways To Protect Company Tools And Equipment

The cost of acquiring tools and equipment for your trade can be capital-intensive. It may take a long time to realize your goal if you use your savings to cater to such expenses. Access to asset financing can also be a challenge if you don’t have a good credit background. 

Then, once you acquire the tools and equipment, your primary concern is the safety of your investment. Tools and equipment are subject to risks such as theft that can happen onsite or at your company storage. 

If such incidents happen, your company’s productivity can suffer, affecting your bottom line. You can leverage tool insurance to protect your business and bounce back as if nothing happened.

Are you looking for ways to safeguard your tools and equipment? Below are six ideas for you to consider.

1. Use Portable Storage Containers

Most tools and equipment come with packaging or storage containers as designed by the manufacturers. The packaging can work as a temporary storage for the equipment when not in use. After all, its primary purpose is protecting the machinery while in transit. 

As theft is a threat, you must consider the workload and the safety of the surrounding. Doing so helps you determine if you need permanent or temporary storage of your company property.

For more powerful tools and equipment such as earth movers, forklifts, cranes, and other heavy machinery, you can use portable storage to reinforce the security of your machinery. However, you must collect them in one area for ease of protection. Scattered tools and equipment on site invite trouble and may affect your productivity.

2. Insure The Tools And Equipment

Insurance provides a safety net for businesses in case of unexpected losses. It enables you to remain consistent with service provision despite facing challenges like theft. 

If your work involves using high-end or costly tools and equipment, obtaining insurance as an additional investment may be the best decision for your business. However, it’s prudent to research insurance providers to ensure you buy a suitable policy for your business. 

Registering all your tools and equipment with the relevant authority is also crucial. For instance, if you’re in the construction industry, get a registration certificate for your tools and equipment for the construction governing body. It’ll be accessible to prove ownership of the items if they get stolen or lost while onsite. 

3. Use Protection Devices

You can use several devices to protect your tools and machinery from theft and vandalism. Learn how these devices can safeguard your business property and, by extension, your tools and equipment. Once you have a general idea of how they function, you can choose which suits your needs best. 

For instance, you can install switches and circuit breakers on tools to stop them from starting on battery power. Use locks to prevent unauthorized usage of tools and equipment.

4. Clean The Tools And Keep Records Updated

Cleaning and organizing your tools and equipment are also ways to protect them. You’ll have an easy time when taking inventory, and you can immediately notice a missing item. Moreover, you can track any worn-out tool that needs replacement. 

You can also use the updated record of your tools and equipment to claim compensation from insurance providers. The documents are helpful when providing proof of ownership to police and the governing authorities in your area in case of theft.

5. Hire Security Guards

You may consider hiring security guards to protect your tools and equipment. The guards may come as an additional cost of operation, but they can shield you from threats. You can approach a security company to provide experienced guards and create a protection strategy for your company. 

Companies usually hire security guards to protect the tools and equipment at night. Nevertheless, daytime security guards can help control access and ensure your machinery is not exposed to theft or vandalism.

6. Install Cameras, Lights, And Alarms

Using technology to enhance security is an option you may want to consider for your projects. Cameras and alarms can help with surveillance of your tools and equipment storage facilities. Lights ensure no dark spots at night, and your guards can efficiently patrol. 

However, all these fixtures and installations depend on the nature and the size of your company’s operations. You should evaluate the threats before investing in technology to protect your tools and equipment.

Conclusion

Tools and equipment are subject to theft and vandalism; when these happen, they can interfere with your company’s operations. It can cost you time and money to replace lost or damaged machinery. You must learn to protect them to ensure your company’s productivity is consistent. It’s also crucial to consider your company projects and operational needs to determine how to distribute your workforce and machinery.