Understanding the Differences Between Inspections, Servicing, and Calibrations of Workshop Equipment
As a workshop owner, it is vital to understand the differences between an Inspection, a Service and a Calibration. Together, regular inspections, servicing and calibrations of your workshop equipment can help ensure your kit is meeting the necessary safety standards and is in the best working condition. But each option differs, so it is important to know how each differs and what it means for your workshop.
Inspection
An Inspection involves a visual examination of the equipment and checking for any potential safety issues. During an Inspection, the engineer checks for any broken or damaged components, along with any signs of wear and tear. They will also advise if the equipment does not meet the required safety standards. However, much like an MOT, an Inspection is just a visual assessment of the equipment. An Inspection should be conducted at least once a year to meet your Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) requirements. They may also be needed for insurance purposes.
Service
A Service is carrying out any necessary maintenance to the equipment. This can include anything from lubricating components to making minor adjustments. Regular servicing of your equipment can help to ensure that all your kit is working correctly and operating at peak performance. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for servicing your equipment, and not doing so may invalidate a warranty. In addition, regular servicing also helps to identify any potential issues before they become significant, reducing the risk of accidents and costly repairs. To help reduce downtime, it is possible to combine an Inspection and a Service in the same visit.
Calibration
A Calibration checks the accuracy and quality of measurements recorded using a piece of equipment. Over time there is a possibility for results and accuracy to ‘drift’, which is why equipment needs to be recalibrated and recertified. It is mainly MOT equipment, such as headlamp beam testers or brake testers, that need calibrations performed on them. However, this is separate from an Inspection or a Service. Calibrations should be done at least once a year or as the manufacturer recommends. Some equipment, such as decelerometers, needs to be recalibrated off-site. But most calibrations can be made on-site in addition to an Inspection or Service visit.
Repairs & Replacements
Outside of these three options for maintaining your equipment, we also provide a comprehensive repair and replacement service when needed. We understand that even the best-maintained equipment can still break down, and that is why we have a team of factory-trained engineers across Great Britain who are always ready to assist you. We also have a well-stocked warehouse with a wide range of parts and components, which can be dispatched quickly. Plus, with our direct factory access, we can source parts we do not have in our inventory easily. Additionally, some parts, such as ropes on a 4-post lift, need to be replaced periodically for safety reasons. We can carry out these replacements for you as required or schedule them as part of a Service visit
Informed Decision
Inspections, Services, and Calibrations are all essential to ensure your equipment works correctly and safely. They can also be confusing, so whether you are a new workshop owner or a veteran, it is vital to understand these differences to make informed decisions about your business. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations and regularly carrying out a combination of Inspections, Services, and Calibrations, you can help ensure your equipment performs at its best. Having Tecalemit carry these out for you can benefit your business in many ways. From compliance with the relevant regulations to reducing the risk of expensive repair bills, give us a call and organise your engineer visit today.
