GRS Rents - Home and Commercial Project Tips » Home Project Tips

Trencher safety

Joe R — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:19:20 +0000

Landscape Safety Series: Using Trenchers Safely1
BEFORE USING THE TRENCHER
Read the operator’s manual before attempting to
operate the machine. Be sure you understand it
completely.
Dress properly for the job. Wear snug-fitting, sturdy
pants and shirt, safety shoes, safety helmet, safety
goggles or screen, and hearing protection.
Check the machine for loose, missing, or broken
parts. Tighten, repair, or replace as needed before
using.
Check all safety devices such as seat belts, roll-over
protective structures (ROPS), shields, warning lights,
etc., to see that they are in place and working.
Read and heed the safety warning decals on the
machine.
Check for hydraulic leaks with a piece of wood or
cardboard. Never use your hand as pinpoint leaks
can penetrate the skin.
When checking radiator coolant, cover the cap with
a cloth to protect yourself from escaping steam.
Open the cap slightly to release pressure, and then
open the rest of the way. Allow engine to cool
before adding any needed coolant.
Fill the fuel tank with engine stopped and cool. Do
not smoke. Be sure there are no sparks or open
flames nearby. If you must refuel during operation,
allow the engine to cool a few minutes before doing
so.
Check for underground utilities in the digging area.
You should request Blue Stake service at least two
days in advance of digging. Don’t take chances. You
could lose your life if you strike a gas or electric
line.
Check for the presence of overhead utility lines as
they can be equally as dangerous.
OPERATING THE TRENCHER
Use care when mounting riding trenchers. Be sure
your hands and shoes are clean and dry. Use the
handrails, not control levers, to guide yourself.
Fasten the seat belt and adjust the seat to a
comfortable position.
Warn others away from the machine and work area
especially children and pets.
Be sure the transmission and other controls are in
the neutral position. Set the brakes on all models.
Start the engine and test all controls.
Lower the trencher boom within a few inches of the
soil.
Engage the chain at slow speed. Be sure you can
control the trencher as the chain can jerk the
machine quickly.
Operate riding trenchers only from the seat. Keep
hands and feet clear of chain and augers on walkbehind
models.
Use caution when operating on slopes as the
machine will want to work down the slope.
Never make sharp turns while digging.
Never adjust or attempt to free a jammed chain
while it is running. Always stop the machine and
engine first.
Trenchers are one person machines — never allow
any riders.
When raising the boom you should disengage the
chain just as it clears the trench.
Follow these steps when shutting the machine down
for any length of time:
1. Lower the trenching boom and attachments to the
ground.
2. Set the parking brake or block the wheels.
3. Put the transmission in park or neutral.
4. Stop the engine.
5. Cycle the hydraulic controls to relieve any
pressure.
6. Remove the ignition key.
7. Dismount carefully using steps and handholds.
TRANSPORTING TRENCHERS
Follow the manufacturer’s manual for specific
loading and unloading procedures.
Be sure all required tie downs, safety chains, etc.,
are properly secured.
If driving the trencher on public roads make certain
that all warning signs, lights, and flags are in place
and visible. The Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV)
emblem must be visible to vehicles approaching
from the rear

1. This document is 8831-Q, a series of the the Cooperative Extension, the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719. Publication date:

2. Lance Fluegel, Safety Coordinator and Bradley Rein, Engineering Specialist, the College of Agriculture, the University of Arizona, Tucson AZ 85719.
The University of Arizona College of Agriculture is an Equal Opportunity employer authorized to provide research, educational information
and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, age, Vietnam
Era Veteran’s status, or handicapping condition.

Safety Tips for using a Portable Generator

Joe R — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:56:57 +0000

Porta Potty Rental

Author: John Biles, Jr.

Most of us have used a porta potty at one point in our lives. These portable toilets were created to give access to bathroom amenities in areas where plumbing is unavailable, or the need for a rest room is low. A lot of work goes into actually maintaining these units, and there are some things that should be considered before you take that next step.

Customer service is vital when it comes to the rental of the porta potty. Unless you want to be the person cleaning and emptying these units, you need to clear that service with the rep you are setting up service with. The trained specialist will be able to tell you how many units you will need for your event exactly. They will also inform you of all the charges you can expect to pay in regards to your rental.

During the time you are working with the representative, be sure to find out the cleaning schedule for the portable toilet that you rent. A good company will perform regular service on these units. If they are left too long they begin to smell and can become a health hazard. If there comes a time that the unit is really bad, check and see if there are additional charges for customer initiated cleaning.

Sanity is important too. Be sure the customer service agent goes over how they clean their porta potty rental units before delivering them to a new client. They should be using products that kill viruses, bacteria and fungus that can be found in unsanitary areas. If you don’t feel that their method is sanitary enough for your standards, you can choose to go with another company.

When your unit is delivered, you need to check it over before you sign off on it. You are responsible for any damage that the unit sustains while it is in your possession. If you notice anything wrong write it on the invoice and have the driver sign that they witnessed the same problem as well. Be sure it is clean and can lock before you accept the unit as well. Any other concerns that arise should be handled through the customer service department of the company you rented the portable toilet from.

Now, you have some ideas on what to take into consideration when it comes to renting the unit. But why would the average person want to rent one of these units? On a day to day operation, most people won’t want to, unless they are working on a construction site where a unit would be needed to help take care of the waste of the workers. But beyond that there are some other options.

If you are hosting a backyard party you will want to have a unit available to prevent numerous people going through your house, some of which you may not know well. If you are doing a remodel job, you don’t want workers covered in grime using the family restroom and this gives them an option. If you are holding an event at a location that there few or no bathrooms, this provides a good solution. Or any event where you don’t want to clean up restrooms after, the porta potty is a perfect solution.

Once you have determined a need for a porta potty, find a reputable company with a great work ethic to handle your needs. Many times you can find a great family owned business that deals with the portable toilet rentals to help meet your needs and provide you the best customer service of all.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/tools-and-equipment-articles/porta-potty-rental-2713465.html

About the AuthorJohn Biles is president of J & J Services, who services Nashville and Middle Tennessee area with Dumpster Rentals, Portable Toilet Rentals, and Pressure Washing

Several Safety Tips For Using A Portable Power Generator

Author: lisa lucero

Whether you have chosen a gas powered generator, electrical power generator or any other type, you need to make sure that you are aware of all the safety precautions. Using a portable power generator can be hazardous if you do not know what you are doing and are not using caution and common sense. There are a few tips in particular that are going to help make sure that you do not get electrocuted. Stay Safe To avoid electrocution while using a portable power generator, make sure that you never plug the generator into a wall outlet, and you always need to read the instruction manual before using. Even if you have used another type of portable power generator before, if this is a different make or model you are still going to have to read the instructions because there are probably going to be at least a few differences that you will have to be aware of. Another important safety tip for using a portable power generator is to make sure that you never store gasoline in the house. Whether this is gas for your generator or for anything else it does not matter, the point is that you should never store gas in the house to begin with. At least if you have a shed or other housing unit somewhere on your property, this is going to be safer than storing it in your home. Remember that if you are going to have to connect the generator to your house wiring, you don’t want to take on the job yourself. Unless you are a qualified electrician or otherwise have experience in this area, this is something that you are really not going to want to mess around with. Have a qualified electrician, someone who knows what they are doing, take care of this for you so that you know the job is getting done right. As long as you have your portable power generator properly connected and you keep all of these safety tips in mind when you are using it, then you should be fine and should not have any problems. Just be smart and be safe and you should not have any troubles with your generator. Available at you rental store.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/tools-and-equipment-articles/several-safety-tips-for-using-a-portable-power-generator-2606446.html

About the AuthorIf you love this article, you will also love another article written by this article’s author on used portable generators and portable power generators.

Why Rent Equipment?

joe — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:26:17 +0000

Here at GRS Rents we’ve been helping our customers get there projects done faster, with less work, and with way less hassle for nearly 20 years. But the question for many people remains; why should I rent equipment?

It’s simple: whether you’re tackling the simplest of projects or complicated construction or remodeling work, there is almost always a tool to make your project easier, safer, or more affordable. GRS Rents has already done the homework in finding these tools, buying them, storing them, maintaining them, etc. Further, we have a complete staff of rental coordinators to help you match awesome tools to your projects. Consider GRS Rents to be your ‘toy box of tools.’ Our wide assortment of inventory allows us to be your one-stop shop for most any project. We rent everything from Bobcats, Excavators, Utility Track Loaders (Dingos), and landscape tractors to pressure washers, pipe wrenches, and floor mops. If you need something – GRS Rents is likely to have it!

Tool renting lets you:

* Use the appropriate tool for for the job you’re working on. Stop using screw-drivers for chisels, shovels for post holes, and hammers to break concrete! Save time, money, and protect your safety by renting from GRS Rents.
* You can get started right away by working from helpful instructions and tips from GRS Rents staff, rather than spenduing time reading a manual or hunting info on the internet.
* High quality, commercial quality equipment is expensive to buy, but extremely affordable to rent. Did you know you can rent a $450 hammer drill for less than $23?
* By renting tools from our Crystal Lake, East Dundee, or Marengo Stores you don’t have to store them in your garage! Save room for the fun stuff!

When you’re planning your next home improvement project, consider using the right tool for the job. Renting from GRS Rents can save you money, allow you to use the right tool for the right job (safety first!), and help your project done faster!

Thanks for reading! We hope to talk to you soon!