Are you planning on expanding your facility or moving your operations to another location? If yes, then you’ll likely require some heavy machinery moving from one place to another. However, this process can quickly go downhill if it isn’t done with proper care and precautions. The machines can get damaged, and machinery accidents can injure workers.
That’s why, in this article, we’ll explain in detail the correct way to go about moving industrial machinery.
Steps of Safe Machinery Moving
Following are the steps you need to take to move machinery safely:
Preliminary Assessment
The first step in machinery moving is conducting a preliminary assessment of all the machines. Measure their dimensions and note any disassembly instructions they might have. Also, note any possible hazards, such as sharp edges, fluid leaks, naked wires, etc., that need to be secured before moving.
This assessment is necessary and, in no circumstances, should be skipped. It’ll help you remember all the things you must include in the moving plan.
Make a Moving Plan
Next, make a moving plan so that everything goes without a hitch. This includes deciding on a suitable timeline for the move and arranging the required resources. Some examples of arranging resources are renting necessary forklifts, cranes, and other machinery. You’ll also need extra workers and the permits required for transportation.
You’ll also need to arrange transport that is sufficient to carry the amount, size, and weight of total machinery you have. Also, don’t forget to analyze the space you’re going to be moving the machinery through. Choose an exit route in the facility with the fewest turns and obstacles for a smooth transfer.
Disassembly and Packing
Once the moving plan has been decided, disassemble the machinery according to its respective instructions. Separately pack any removable components and make sure any fluid leaks have been secured. During the process, take notes and photos to help you during the reassembly later.
Also, make sure to pack all the machine components in custom-sized crates with adequate cushioning. Use padding material that will not damage sensitive components but minimize vibrations in case of impact during transport.
Loading and Transportation
To load the machinery onto the transportation, use forklifts, trucks, cranes, etc. As a precaution, you should have physical workers supervising this loading process. They should make sure that each machine is rigged with proper chains and straps to ensure safe transport.
When the machinery is successfully loaded onto the vehicles, use suitable restraints to anchor them down. You can even use bracing and blocking materials to prevent further movement. Also, don’t forget to follow all safety regulations, such as weight limits, speed restrictions, etc.
Unloading at the Destination
When the machinery finally reaches the destination facility, have a team ready to unload. Unload all the machinery to their designated areas where they will be reassembled. Make sure the surface you’re reassembling on is stable and clean.
Refer to labeled diagrams, notes, and photos for proper reassembly. Attach any accessory components that you packed separately. Finally, reconnect all the electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic connections.
Final Inspection
Once all the heavy machinery is moved, you will want to do a final inspection. Examine all the machines for any signs of damage that may have occurred during transit. If you find any, first repair them or, if applicable, set them aside to claim insurance.
If everything looks fine, operate each machine to test its functioning. After you’ve confirmed that all the machines are working fine, you can prepare the rest of the facility before the operating day.
Why is Hiring Professional Machinery Movers Important?
You may have understood how extensive the process is from the above-mentioned heavy machinery moving steps. The results can be deadly and costly if you forget even one step in the checklist. In fact, forklift accidents alone account for 10% of workplace deaths.
That’s why you should always hire professionals who have years of experience moving heavy machinery. Their heavy hauling expertise guarantees that your machine will be safely moved without a problem. They’ll handle all the rigging, insurance, certifications, and permits, among other things. So, with professional movers, you only have to sit back and relax.
Conclusion
Industrial equipment moving is an extensive process that requires strict supervision and great expertise. If you make any error during the machinery moving process, you can lose millions worth of machinery. Even workers can get hurt, and surrounding objects can get damaged.
So, if you want a reliable and seamless machinery transport process, contact us at Solid Hook. We’re a leading machinery transport company that will do your job with utmost diligence and safety.
