The global construction equipment market reached a value of $133.37 billion in 2020. When it comes to construction site equipment, there’s a wide range of tasks you should be thinking about. Some equipment is only necessary for specific jobs, while other pieces are essential for almost any construction project. For a rundown of some of the most important tools on any construction site, keep reading.
Tools
On all construction sites, there’s not likely to be much work done without tools. There are all kinds of hand tools that are needed to do any kind of building work.
Saws are needed for cutting wood and other materials, and these materials often need to be secured together. Securing materials is possible with nails, screws, adhesives, or other methods. You will more than likely also need a hammer or hammer drill to do this.
A measuring tape is necessary to make sure all dimensions are correct, as well as a laser level so that everything is flat and even. There are plenty of other tools that are essential such as screwdrivers, pliers, cable cutters, and more.
Containment Equipment
Depending on the nature of the project you’re working on, you may need to do some sort of containment. When accessing ceilings, dust containment equipment such as a Duzcart will help prevent contaminants from spreading to other areas.
You’ll need temporary fencing to contain the entire worksite and prevent people from wandering in. You may also need equipment like traffic control barriers or safety railings to section off certain areas.
PPE
A lot of heavy equipment and materials are present on construction sites, as well as a range of other potential health and safety hazards. Anyone on site should be wearing suitable PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
This can include a range of items such as:
- Hardhats
- Safety goggles
- Steel toe-capped boots
- High visibility vests
- Ear protectors
Not only is this necessary to meet legal requirements, but it will help keep the risk of injury on-site to a minimum.
Fire Extinguishers
For most tasks on-site, used construction equipment is fine, but fire extinguishers will need to be new. With all of the equipment being used, as well as potentially flammable substances on site, fire prevention equipment is essential.
You may also want other fire prevention tools like fire blankets and sprinkler systems. You should make sure your employees are aware of the risks on any worksite and that they adhere to safety rules to minimize the chance of fires or other incidents. Fires are unlikely, but it’s still important to make sure safety measures are in place just in case.
Machinery
While all jobs are different, there will almost always be a need for some construction site heavy equipment. This includes machinery like excavators, bulldozers, and loaders.
It’s fine to purchase used heavy equipment or rent equipment as needed. This is ideal if you think you won’t use them for many jobs, so you don’t want to invest in something brand new.
The Best Construction Site Equipment
It’s important to understand the quality standards your equipment should meet. Some items like tools and heavy machinery don’t need to be brand new. They just have to be in good condition so that they’re suitable for your project.
Other construction site equipment such as PPE and anything else related to health and safety should be in brand new condition, as defects in these could result in serious injury.
If you’re interested in more construction-related articles, check out some of our other blog posts.
