Safety First: A Guide to Operating Rental Equipment Safely in NH

The Golden Rules: Universal Safety Before You Even Start the Engine

Before you turn the key on any piece of heavy machinery, a series of crucial steps must be taken. These pre-operation checks are your first line of defense against accidents and are a cornerstone of rental equipment safety in NH.

1. Know Your Machine: Read the Manual & Ask Questions Every machine is different. Even if you've operated a similar model before, take the time to familiarize yourself with the specific controls, safety features, and operating limits of the machine you've rented. At NorthPoint, our team provides a walkthrough when you rent, but don't hesitate to ask questions. Your understanding of the machine is vital for safe equipment operation.

2. Gear Up: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is Non-Negotiable PPE is your personal armor on the job site. Never operate machinery without it. Essential PPE includes:

• Hard Hat: Protects against falling debris or impact.

• Steel-Toed Boots: Provide grip and protect your feet from being crushed.

• Safety Glasses: Shield your eyes from flying dirt, wood chips, and debris.

• Work Gloves: Improve your grip and protect your hands.

• Hearing Protection: Essential when operating loud equipment like chippers or compactors.

Proper PPE is a fundamental component of NH construction safety.

3. Call Before You Dig: The Law and Your Life This is arguably the most important step for any project involving excavation. In New Hampshire, you are required by law to call 811 or visit the Dig Safe® website at least 72 hours before you begin digging. They will coordinate with local utility companies to mark the approximate location of underground lines for gas, electricity, water, and communications. Hitting one of these lines can cause catastrophic damage, serious injury, or even death. This is the most critical rule for rental equipment safety in NH.

4. Walk the Site: Identify and Mitigate Hazards Before you start work, walk the entire job site with a critical eye. Look for:

• Slopes and Uneven Ground: Identify steep grades that could cause a machine to tip.

• Overhead Dangers: Note any low-hanging tree branches or, most importantly, power lines. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (**OSHA**) provides strict guidelines for operating machinery near power lines—maintain a safe distance at all times.

• Soft Spots or Obstacles: Look for muddy areas, large rocks, or debris that could affect the machine's stability.

• People and Property: Ensure a clear and safe working zone, keeping pets, children, and bystanders far away.

A thorough site inspection is a professional habit and key to rental equipment safety in NH.

Machine-Specific Safety: Tips for Popular Rentals

While the golden rules apply to all equipment, different machines have unique risks. Mastering safe equipment operation means understanding the specifics of your rental.

1. Mini Excavator Safety

• Stay Level: Always try to operate on the most level ground possible. When traversing a slope, keep the boom and arm pointed uphill to maintain a low center of gravity. Never swing the boom with a loaded bucket on the downhill side.

• Mind the Swing: Be constantly aware of your machine's "tail swing." The back of the excavator can swing into objects or people when you're turning the cab.

• Bucket Discipline: Never allow anyone to ride in the bucket, and never use it to lift people. Keep the bucket low to the ground when moving.

2. Skid Steer / Compact Track Loader Safety

• Enter and Exit Carefully: Always enter and exit a skid steer facing the machine, using the provided steps and grab handles. Never have someone else start the machine for you while you're outside the cab.

• Know Your Blind Spots: Skid steers have significant blind spots. Always be aware of your surroundings and use a spotter if your visibility is limited.

• Attachment Security: Before use, double-check that any attachment (bucket, forks, etc.) is securely locked in place.

Following these steps is crucial for ensuring your rental equipment safety in NH.

3. Stump Grinder & Wood Chipper Safety

• Clear the Area: These machines throw debris at high velocity. Establish a large safety perimeter and ensure no one enters it while the machine is in operation.

• Feed with Caution: When using a wood chipper, feed branches in butt-first and let the machine pull them in. Never force material or use your hands or feet to push it into the chipper.

• Respect the Guards: All safety guards and shields are there for a reason. Never operate a machine if they have been removed or disabled.

NorthPoint Rentals: Your Partner in Safety

Choosing where you rent from is one of the most important safety decisions you'll make. A reputable rental company prioritizes your well-being. At NorthPoint Equipment Rentals, rental equipment safety in NH is at the core of our business model.

• Professionally Maintained Fleet: Our machines are rigorously inspected and serviced by trained technicians after every rental. This means you get a machine in peak operating condition, with all safety features functioning correctly. You can browse our modern, safe fleet on our online inventory page.

• Expert Guidance: Our team isn't just here to process a transaction. We provide essential operating and safety instructions for every piece of equipment we rent. We are committed to NH construction safety.

• The Right Machine for the Job: We help you select the right-sized machine for your project and skill level, preventing situations where a user is operating a machine that is too large or powerful for them to handle safely.

Conclusion: A Safe Project is a Successful Project

The power and efficiency of rental equipment can make your dream project a reality. By respecting that power and making safety your top priority, you ensure that the satisfaction of a job well done is the only outcome. A commitment to safe equipment operation protects you, your family, and your property.

Ready for a safe and successful project?

Contact NorthPoint Equipment Rentals today!

• Visit our website: www.northpointrentals.com to view our inventory and book online 24/7.

• Call us: (603) 499-7926 to speak with our knowledgeable team about your project needs.

• Stop by our Tilton Location: 185 Laconia Road, Tilton, NH 03276

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