Safety Playbook for Equipment Rentals

There are nine key protocols that users should expect from equipment rental services during the COVID-19 pandemic. All reliable rental companies should have implemented new measures for the safety of their employees and customers, both inside and outside their branches, in response to the worldwide emergency. 

Here are the nine protocols that users should expect for safe operations when considering rental equipment for their needs:

Contactless & Worksite Protocols

• Drive-up service and designated drop zones: Contactless drive-up service allows customers to pick up or drop off equipment in designated areas without going inside the branch.
   
• Last-touch disinfecting: Drivers from the rental company should disinfect commonly touched surfaces upon delivering equipment at a worksite. This should be the second time equipment is disinfected before it is put in the customer’s hands (see pre-rental disinfecting below).
   
• Driver precautions: Rental company drivers must maintain safe social distancing at customer sites and wear a mask when safe distancing is not possible.
   
• Digital capabilities: If users can browse equipment, schedule rentals and designate equipment off-rent from their computer or mobile app, this will provide a contactless transactional experience. These capabilities enhance safe access to a user’s rental needs.

In-Branch Protocols

• Pre-rental disinfecting: In addition to performing safety and mechanical checks, the rental company should disinfect equipment before each rental, paying particular attention to controls, latches, seat belts and other high-touch surfaces.
   
• Social distancing: Rental personnel must maintain safe social distancing at branches and equipment yards, delineated by floor decals.
   
• Plexiglass counter barriers: Branches should have plexiglass barriers installed at service counters to provide added protection during in-person transactions.
   
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Rental company employees should be required to wear face coverings where social distancing cannot be achieved, and additional PPE as needed. PPE should be provided to employees and, where available, to customers who need it to enter the branch.
   
• Communications: Safety messaging should be communicated regularly to all rental company sites. Protocols that are emphasized at daily safety huddles with branch teams, in addition to periodic employee town halls, reinforce top-down safety messaging, and constant input from branch and district managers ensure that local conditions are taken into account.