Marlon from Able here to talk about something I’m very passionate about – equipment maintenance. In our industry, ensuring that care equipment runs smoothly is vital for the loved ones and residents you support. But let’s face it, things can go wrong, and often does, but sometimes it’s due to simple mistakes that could have been easily avoided.
I wanted to highlight some common mistakes made when maintaining care equipment and help you and your team’s equipment functioning better, for longer!
Neglecting Regular Inspections:
This is one of the most common mistakes and the easiest to correct. Many fall into the pattern that if their equipment seems to be functioning fine, it doesn’t need a service or thorough inspection. Regular and periodic servicing of your care equipment is essential for catching small issues before they snowball into big problems. We have many different options to make this process as painless as possible, from asset management to LOLER test scheduling and beyond, we’ve got you covered!
An Able engineer maintaining a hoist
Skipping Manufacturer Guidelines:
Every piece of equipment comes with its own set of maintenance guidelines from the manufacturer. Ignoring these guidelines or improvising can lead to inefficiencies, breakdowns, and even safety concerns!
Overlooking Calibration:
Precision is key in healthcare equipment. Failure to calibrate instruments regularly can result in inaccurate readings, potentially compromising patient care and diagnosis.
Calibration is an important part of equipment maintenance
Improper Cleaning Practices:
Cleanliness isn’t just about appearances – it’s crucial for infection control and equipment longevity. Using the wrong cleaning agents or techniques can damage sensitive components or leave behind harmful residues.
Ignoring User Training:
Equipment misuse is a leading cause of premature wear and tear and equipment breakdown and damage. Proper training for staff is essential to ensure they can competently operate your care equipment correctly and safely.
Failing to Document Maintenance:
Keeping detailed records of maintenance activities is more than just paperwork; it’s a roadmap for tracking equipment history, identifying recurring issues, and demonstrating compliance with regulations.
Able’s Asset Management System ensures an accurate equipment history
Neglecting Environmental Factors:
Temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors can impact equipment performance. Failing to address these factors can accelerate wear and lead to unexpected failures.
Delaying Repairs:
When issues arise, don’t delay! Addressing problems promptly can prevent further damage and downtime, ultimately saving you time and money in the long run.
Our LOLER inspections and equipment servicing engineers are trained on the latest equipment and most popular brands. They are experienced in installations, servicing and breakdown repairs, offering safety to your residents and peace of mind to you and your team. Should you be interested in discussing your LOLER testing and equipment maintenance needs, don’t hesitate to contact me.
