What members use.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE BUYING
What your members will actually use What space each item requires What it costs to maintain Whether parts and servicing are available locally
WHY PARTS AVAILABILITY MATTERS
Broken equipment that cannot be repaired sits unusable and members notice.
WHAT TO PRIORITISE
Items used most, in sufficient quantity.
WHY QUANTITY MATTERS
Members waiting for equipment is a common complaint.
WHAT TO OBSERVE
Which equipment is actually used, and which stands idle.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IDLE EQUIPMENT
Replace it with what people use.
WHAT MAINTENANCE REQUIRES
Daily inspection Scheduled servicing Immediate removal of anything unsafe Records
WHY DAILY INSPECTION
Equipment failing under load injures people.
WHAT TO CHECK
Cables and pulleys Bolts and fixings Padding and upholstery Moving parts and bearings Electrical condition on powered equipment
WHY CABLES SPECIFICALLY
Failure under load causes serious injury and cables fray progressively.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Remove it from use immediately, and mark it.
WHY MARK IT
Unmarked broken equipment is used.
WHAT TO RECORD
Every inspection, fault and repair.
WHY
It evidences that the facility was maintained, which matters after any injury.
WHAT TO BUDGET
Replacement, because equipment has a life.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT SECOND-HAND EQUIPMENT
Its condition and whether parts remain available.
