HIRE and RENTAL

Training for the Hire
Industry
Victorian
Report
In recent months there has been
general discussion in Board meetings
about the possibility of introducing
apprenticeships or other training
schemes for employees in the hire industry,
to make them feel that there is a
considerable diversity of tasks in the
industry.
However, it was felt that the matter
should be more actively pursued, with
the suggestion that a range of "subjects"
should be available, from which any
given firm could select a minimum
number of suitable ones for their own
employees. Any certificate issued to an
employee would then state what areas
he or she had covered.
As a start, several members set down
the range of skills that their firms would
be looking for in their employees, e.g.
Automotive - mechanical and engine
maintenance Basic electrical
knowledge, Crane and fork - lift driving.
Basic welding, Basic carpentry, Safety
Tool care, sharpening, etc. Paper work
skills, Customer relations, Public relations
All members have now been sent a
questionnaire so that they can add their
requirements to this list. Once our State
Director, David Angus, knows the skills
that are needed, he can recommend to
the Board further possible ways in
which a training scheme might be implemented.
Electrical Testing Program
Employees from several companies
have already completed the training
course at the Moorabbin T.A.F.E. and
reports of the course have been positive.
The Australian Standards Association
Standard for the testing of electrical
equipment will be available from
Clunies Ross House at the end of March
40 - HIRE and RENTAL - APRIL 1990
STATE ROUNDUP
and the number of this Standard is AS-
3760.
Carters and Drivers Award
There have been several changes to
this Award especially in relation to subcontract
drivers being regarded as
employees. Should members be affected
by this Award and were unaware
of these changes, it is recommended that
they obtain a copy from the T.W.U.,
V.E.F. or Government Printer.
Skid Steer Loaders
All members have been sent a circular
from the Department of Labour regarding
the hire of skid steer loaders. The
Department is concerned that not all
hirers are aware of their obligations
under the Lifts and Cranes Act when
hiring this equipment, particularly with
regard to certificates of competency. It
is strongly recommended that members
heed the comments of the Department
especially with regard to unlicenced
operators.
Equipment Losses
As several members experienced a
very high loss of equipment during 1989
a questionnaire was circulated requesting
information as to what equipment
was lost, where it was stolen from, i.e.
yards, over-counter fraud or on sites and
the value of the equipment. The State
Director, David Angus, analysed the 26
questionnaires that were returned and
the statistics obtained showed that the
total value was over $650,000! Discussions
will now be held with Victoria
Police to see what can be done about this
problem.
American Rental
Association Convention
Several delegates from Victoria attended
and it appears that a great time
was had by all. Apparendy one gent was
having a few drinks as a guest in a
friend's room and at around 3 am.
decided to go for a walk but went to
sleep instead - in the corridor. He was
returned to his friend's room by the
security guards! Another member of this
group also had his problems - he lost his
shoes after a heavy night's work. They
were brought back to Melbourne by this
same friend!
HANDY HINT
Electronic Start
Switch for Single
Phasephase
Capacitor Start
Motors
Once again we have a very good
handy hint from Owen Staines of All
Hire & Trading of East Brisbane.
Owen, who is a qualified
electrician, says that mechanical start
switches usually give long and faithful
service, however, when they do
fail, it is often difficult and expensive
to replace them.
The 'Almor' electronic unit is
moderately priced and has allowed us
to make speedy repairs to a variety of
motor brands and sizes. Most satisfying
of these were on 3hp/AL,S.E.A,
motors used on a popular brand of
water pressure cleaner. The repairs
are done on the spot for about one
tenth of the cost of the genuine
electronic part.
Owen buys units from local Brisbane
supplier, Watson Will & Co., 48
Abbotsford Road, Bowen Hills,
4006. Phone (07) 2525552.
Thanks very much Owen.