Why is it important to hire professional movers for medical equipment? What qualifications should a medical equipment mover have?
The short answer: experience. Moving large or small items, some very heavy, many quite expensive. So, while there is no handbook or set standard for movers and moving medical equipment, some manufacturers do provide training to help with moving equipment.
If you’re looking for credentials that are strongly recommended for a medical equipment mover, one is that they are a Certified Office & Industrial Consultant (COIC) from the American Trucking Association, Moving & Storage Council.
Medical equipment moves – Going deeper
Throughout the medical equipment move, the mover should be working with the manufacturer’s representative and customer representative to make sure the equipment is decontaminated, and any internal and/or external parts are locked down and ready for transportation. The mover should have the acumen to troubleshoot the situation and come up with a solution(s) well in advance of the proposed move timeline.
It is important to do your research and take hazardous material shipment training, which corresponds to making sure the equipment is decontaminated and can be removed from the existing environment to another environment.
Understanding the proper packing of the equipment is one of the most critical parts to moving medical equipment safely and securely. Working with the staff and or technician that knows the equipment is the first step in understanding what needs to be done to transport the equipment efficiently and safely.
OSHA training for working in and around medical equipment is important, so you know the basics of what is expected when working around medical locations. Complying with regulations is also important and every situation is different. Having a contact person to reach out to is also critical, whether a need arises or not. The environmental health and safety officer (EHSO) within the firm is also a good resource for information
Understanding coverage for the items being shipped is another important element of the medical equipment move, whether it is declared valuation or trip transit coverage.
Do you have a medical equipment move coming up? Give us a call or drop a line.