Equipment Management

Most facilities have procedures intact when dispatching or returning equipment. Most systems will include a dispatch procedure in which individual pieces of equipment are identifiable. A log is kept of the use of individual pieces of equipment. The equipment is booked out to a person who acknowledges receipt thereof and its condition and time of receipt. When the equipment is returned it must be checked for defects which are then recorded.

Checking and Maintaining Equipment

Equipment used on farms includes a wide range of different instruments and containers. All equipment must be cleaned and stored in designated storage areas. The equipment must be kept dry and should not be kept on a dirty floor. The equipment varies greatly between farms and industries. Please note that specific guidelines and procedures existing on sites (farm or industry) regarding storage and maintenance of equipment should be followed. It is also necessary to use equipment manuals as a guide to identify inspection points for specific equipment.

The basic equipment and their maintenance are discussed below. Equipment used in harvesting must not be stored in close vicinity to pesticides, pesticide application equipment or fertilisers.

• Ladders especially used for harvesting tree crops should be kept clean and in good condition, ensuring that pickers do not fall and injure themselves.
• Picking bags used for harvesting fruit in orchards must be kept clean.
• The same principals apply for bins and crates.
• Picking knives and shears which are used when harvesting lettuce and cabbage must be clean and sharp at all times ensuring a clean cut.
• Tools must be washed with a sterilising agent to prevent biological contamination.
• The protective coatings of grafting equipment and tapes must be kept clean and dry at all times.
• Specialised equipment should be checked according to the manual. Should any problems be encountered, the equipment should be sent for repair or service to agents or specialists.
• When equipment has been sent for repairs, it should be check for correctness when returned.
  • Check whether the serial number corresponds with that of the equipment sent for repairs.
  • Check whether defects have been repaired. Should be done by an expert or general user. Do not sign off the repair slip if it not fixed properly.