When you invest in and manage electrical safety equipment, the last thing you want is for it to be stolen or used in a dangerous manner. Beyond its financial value, this equipment is necessary for workplace safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
By implementing safe and secure equipment storage for theft prevention, you can protect your gear. Here are effective strategies designed specifically for plant and facility managers.
Theft-Proof Storage Units
Property managers typically seek the safest types of mailboxes to prevent theft of their tenants’ mail and parcels. They go for strong steel or heavy-duty aluminum mailboxes that can withstand tampering attempts and harsh environmental conditions.
If you manage a facility or plant that receives frequent deliveries of high-end equipment, you should implement similarly robust storage options. Look for storage setups you can anchor or lock into position to ensure they won’t get knocked over by forklifts or other equipment you may use on-site.
Look for large containers, cabinets, or toolboxes made from heavy-duty materials such as steel. Add extra layers of protection with reinforced locks, pry-resistant panels, or tamper-proof hinges.
Secure Jobsite Practices
Consider having your team sign out voltage teasers, lockout devices, and other equipment before use. Secure containers or sheds with heavy-duty padlocks, and install motion-activated lights or cameras nearby.
You can mark or engrave equipment with company serial numbers or barcodes to deter the resale of stolen items. For high-cost tools such as arc flash gear, consider GPS tracking devices. These can aid in quick recovery if theft occurs.
Another idea is to assign responsibility for storage to a specific team member or supervisor. Having clear oversight deters negligence and theft. Plus, it promotes a sense of shared responsibility for safeguarding equipment.
Fencing and Restricted Access Systems
If you have a more expansive facility, invest in perimeter fencing to keep unauthorized personnel out. Pair this with restricted access solutions, such as badge systems or coded locks. For warehouses or permanent storage facilities, include alarm systems and surveillance cameras in your security strategy.
Losing arc flash suits, grounding kits, insulated tools, or multimeters disrupts operations and increases the risk to personnel working without proper tools or gear. With safe and secure equipment storage strategies for theft prevention, you’ll avoid expensive replacement efforts and unnecessary disruptions to your projects.