Blog Post

Simplify Your Inspections with In/Out Controls

October 7, 2024 by record360

At Record360, we often get questions about how to manage outgoing and incoming information during inspections. If you’ve been juggling separate fields for fuel levels or mileage when checking a unit out and back in, there’s a much easier way: In/Out Controls.

What Are In/Out Controls?

Instead of having two different sections for information going out (like fuel levels or mileage) and coming back in, In/Out Controls allow you to enter both data sets in one streamlined field. It helps eliminate confusion, making your checklist easier to fill out and ensuring accurate tracking.

For example, rather than logging fuel levels in separate fields for “going out” and “coming in,” you can now track it in a single combined field. When checking out, you only see outgoing fields; when checking back in, only incoming fields appear—keeping things simple and clear.

Why Use In/Out Controls?

Using In/Out Controls is a great way to:

Reduce confusion for your team members.
Keep your inspection checklists clean and organized.
Ensure the right information is captured every time, without unnecessary duplication.

It’s especially helpful for newer team members or anyone unfamiliar with your inspection process. The clear layout makes it easy to track data both going out and coming in, which helps keep things running smoothly.

Have Questions?

We’re here to help! If you need more details on how to use In/Out Controls or have any other questions about your inspection setup, feel free to contact your Customer Success Manager or our support team at [email protected].

Overhead Hoist Inspection: Best Practices for Workplace Safety

October 3, 2024 by record360

Keeping your overhead lifting equipment in check will take you far. You never know what can go wrong, so one of the best things you can do is to create an excellent preventive maintenance schedule.

Inspections are a crucial part of any company. They ensure you get rid of any hazards surrounding your lifting systems, including your overhead cranes and hoists.

What should you consider when inspecting an overhead hoist? That’s what we’ll evaluate in this blog post!

Best Overhead Hoist Safety Inspection Tips to Consider

Inspections are necessary to keep everyone safe, whether you’re dealing with overhead or gantry cranes. However, these inspections will be different depending on the case.

Let’s start with daily inspections of your overhead lifting systems. The overhead crane operator should look for any loose or damaged parts. If there’s any sign of wear, they should document it with photos or videos. It’s also important to check for missing parts like pneumatic components.

Other crucial steps to follow before using the overhead/bridge crane include:

Checking that the hoist isn’t tagged “out of service”
Ensuring that all the nameplates are present
Examining all safety labels to ensure that they’re legible
Starting a test run to ensure that the hoist doesn’t have any problems

Create a solid daily inspection routine that works for your team. Someone with proper training should be able to pull it off without breaking a sweat.

Next, we have monthly inspections. They involve checking more specific parts for damage, including wire rope, electrical connections, and electric chains. You should also inspect for abnormalities in the hoist’s structural components. Create a checklist just in case.

Finally, we have annual inspections. They should be performed by a qualified person. They will provide a thorough inspection of the entire machine to ensure there are no deep issues with it.

Always remember to:

Keep a calendar with all inspection dates.
Keep a record of every sign of damage that the hoist may have.
Report any abnormalities to the team as soon as possible.

How Often Should Someone Inspect Their Overhead Hoist?

Here are some schedule guidelines that will help you set everything up:

Capacity: Give priority to hoists with a higher capacity.
Age: Inspect older hoists first, as they are likely to have more wear.
Frequency of Use: Give priority to those machines that you use the most.
Downtime: If you have a hoist down for repairs, you’ll have to get it inspected more often.
Function: Make sure to give priority to hoists that perform complex activities.
Operations: Focus on hoists that are critical to your business.

Bottom Line

With these overhead crane safety tips, you can promote a healthier work environment for everyone. If you’re in need of specialized software to conduct your hoist/crane inspection, you can count on Record360.

Its features will allow you to conduct frequent and periodic inspections without much effort, ensuring that all hoist/crane operators, as well as the rest of your crew, are safe all year long.

Daily forklift inspections: The Essential Steps

October 2, 2024 by record360

If you are operating a forklift truck or designing a standard operating procedure for your company, you’ll need to focus on safety. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), roughly 34,900 accidents involving forklift trucks occur every year.

To prevent this, it’s important for operators to complete a forklift safety checklist, adorn the right protective equipment, and check to see whether the vehicle is in good working condition.

Conduct a Comprehensive Forklift Safety Inspection

If a forklift vehicle is not working as it should, it could cause an accident because of malfunctions. To prevent this, you will need to conduct a check to see whether there are:

Problems with the parking brake,
Issues with the exhaust system,
Broken forklift attachments,
Faulty mechanical safety devices,
Damage to the steering wheel,
Obstructions in the operator compartment,
Functional hydraulic controls,
Electrical safety devices that work,
Seat belts, and more.

Keep in mind that there are different types of forklift trucks, so the operational inspection checklist should be tailored to suit that particular vehicle. Here are some of the most popular types:

Internal combustion forklifts
Liquid propane forklifts
Electric forklifts

Suppose potential problems are identified during the operational inspection. In that case, they must be reported, and the forklift should not be used.

Wear Your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Once the forklift inspection checklist has been completed and the vehicle has been deemed safe, the forklift operator must then wear the correct PPE. These devices ensure that the person is able to drive the forklift safely and that they will be protected against serious injuries if something were to go wrong.

Do an Operational Check

Before you climb on and operate the forklift truck, you will need to check whether it works. Start the engine and listen for any strange sounds. Then, check the battery or fuel indicators to see whether they are in acceptable ranges.

You will also need to look for any warning lights that signal that there is a problem and assess the indicator lights to see whether they are functional. Finally, test the horn and alarms to confirm that they work.

Up Your Inspection Game with Record360

Daily forklift inspections are crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. However, traditional checklists and recordkeeping processes are often ineffective. With Record360, you can not only generate fully customized forklift inspection checklists but also use video and photo imagery to serve as proof.

How to Add Users to Your Account: A Simple Guide

September 30, 2024 by record360

Managing users efficiently is crucial when running a business or team. If you want to add an email user to your account, you must be a Manager to take advantage of this functionality. Don’t worry, it’s an easy process that takes only a few steps. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through adding email users to your account using our dashboard.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Email Users

Here’s how you can quickly add an email user to your account:

1. Access the Dashboard

First, log in to your account and go to the dashboard. This is where you will manage all users.

2. Click “Create New User”

In the upper right-hand corner of the dashboard, you’ll see an option labeled “Create New User.” Click on this to get started.

3. Select “Standard User”

Once you’ve clicked on “Create New User,” you will be given different user type options. Choose the Standard User option to add an email user.

4. Choose a Location

After selecting the user type, you must assign the user to a specific location within your account. This is particularly useful if your business operates in multiple locations.

5. Enter the Required Information

Fill in all the required fields, including the user’s name, email address, and other necessary details. Make sure the information is accurate to avoid any issues later on.

6. Submit the Information

Once you’ve entered all the information, click Submit to create the new user.

7. Password Setup for New Users

After submitting the form, the new user will receive an email prompting them to set up their password. They can follow the link in the email to set a new password.

Note: If the user does not receive the email within a few minutes, remind them to check their spam or junk folder.

8. Ready to Use

Once the user has set their password, they can start using the system! They can log in immediately and access the features available to them based on their permissions.

Need More Help?

If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our support team at [email protected].

Excavator Inspection Checklist: What to Review Before Every Shift

September 26, 2024 by record360

Excavators are powerful machines. They are used for digging, lifting, and transporting loads. However, they can also be very dangerous. Statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) indicate that there were 98 accidents involving these large machines between 2015 and 2020. Almost 45 percent of those accidents resulted in death.

Why Are Excavators Dangerous?

Excavators are large, complex working vehicles. They have powerful hydraulic systems and heavy attachments that can cause serious injury if they come loose. Moreover, carrying excessive loads can cause changes in machine stability.

With so many associated risks, regular maintenance is an absolute must. Machine operators should be trained on what to look for when conducting these checks, as it could save lives.

The Importance of Inspections

Conducting regular inspections can help to lessen the likelihood of excavator accidents by ensuring that all components are in good condition. When you maintain your excavators well, you can effectively prevent the need for costly repairs.

It’s also important to remember that the inspection process is intended to safeguard companies from liability. That’s because they ensure that the relevant safety standards are followed.

What to Include in Your Excavator Inspection Checklist

Here’s what you should check before operating an excavator:

Hydraulic system. Check for leaks, good hydraulic fluid levels, signs of damage on hoses and fittings, and parts of the cooling system to determine whether they are working properly.
Electrical system. You should also look at the lights, alarms, and gauges to see whether they are fully operational.
Undercarriage components. Look at the tracks, rollers, and sprockets to see whether there is any damage or buildup of debris that could affect the machine’s ability to move freely.
Tires. Search for damage, wear, or misalignment.
The boom, arm, and bucket. Determine whether there are any visible signs of damage, such as rust, cracks, or bent parts that may affect the machine’s ability to function.
Fluid levels. Check hydraulic oil, engine oil, and hydraulic fluid levels to ensure that they are working correctly.
Safety features. You will also need to assess the condition of backup alarms, seat belts, and more.
Operator controls. Determine whether all controls, levers, and buttons are working well.
Other components. Ensure the operator’s seat, fuel filters, swing bearing, fuel tank, and hydraulic filters are in good condition.

Record360 Is Here to Help

With a revolutionary recordkeeping system, Record360 makes it easier for companies to ensure the safety of their employees and extend the service life of their excavators. To learn more about our technology or try it out for yourself with a FREE demo, contact us today!

Equipment Checklist Form: Simplifying Your Workflow

September 25, 2024 by record360

Inspections are important to ensure that equipment can be operated safely. They highlight potential problems and keep track of the condition of machinery. A comprehensive checklist is the key to conducting helpful inspections and ensuring that the right things are being monitored.

Conducting Inspections Can Save You Money and Prevent Accidents

It’s no secret that regular maintenance can help you save on costly repairs. By assessing the condition of your equipment on a regular basis, you can use this form of data collection to streamline operations and ensure that maintenance is conducted on time.

Through clear instructions and relevant checklist items, you can reduce maintenance costs by focusing on the most pressing issues and addressing minor problems before they threaten to throw a spanner in the works.

Preventive Maintenance Checklist Design Is Important

Although often overlooked, an inspection checklist must be carefully designed. Keep in mind that every business is different. This means that if you want to truly benefit from these technical documents, you will need to design them to meet your unique needs.

Your checklists should be inclusive, simple, and clear so that everyone who needs to use them can understand them easily. Including a comprehensive guide may be a good idea to ensure that your team members and inspectors understand what is expected of them.

Why Traditional Inspections Are Lacking

While conventional methods are typically cheaper to implement, they are inefficient because they pose the risk of human error. Records of past inspections can be lost, and maintenance team members are not always on the same page.

Files or computers store checklists, which means that vital information could be lost if there were a fire or data breach. Fortunately, new digital tools, such as those provided by Record360, are changing how equipment inspections are done, ultimately contributing to a better recordkeeping process. Conditional logic is used to improve the inspection process.

Repetitive processes can be minimized, and tasks considered complete can be filed away, helping your team focus on what’s important. All your data will be stored in a cloud, making it easily accessible when you need it.

Try Record360’s User-friendly Recordkeeping System!

With Record360, you can customize your checklists to suit your preferences. Need to access information for dates relative to a particular inspection? Our software gives you complete control.

Add e-signatures, photographs, videos, and more to take your inspections to the next level. Sign up for a FREE demo today to try our software!