RM Online - Train your customers first, avoid costly accidents

Train your customers before they take the equipment out - avoid costly accidents.

Proper starting techniques. With chain saws, customers need to be informed about the danger of kickback. If the chain contacts some wood at the right angle, it will take too big of a chunk and won't cut. It could kick back toward the opera- tor.
Show how to hold products correctly. For example, a chain saw should be held to the side of the body, not in front. With any tiller, the proper setting of depth control is critical. If it's set too deep, the tiller can jump on you.
Proper gear, such as safety goggles, chaps or protective apparel. For one thing, it's an instant merchandising win/win situation for add-on sales or rentals. Second, it will ease the minds of first-time renters.
Chain/line breaks. Customers may not be accustomed to the higher-grade chain saws that rental centers have. Many people don't know how to correctly install a new line on trimmers and other products that have lines.
Mix ratios, which need to be done according to manufacturers' specifications. Many people think a little more oil won't hurt, but with two-cycle engines, the opposite is true. Extra oil actually makes the engine leaner. You may know this; chances are your customer will not. You might want to give a 2.6-ounce bottle of oil for all chain saw rentals and tell the customer to mix with one gallon of gasoline.
Filter cleaning for long-term rentals. If you continue to run a unit with clogged filters you will have problems. Many forget to clean the filter.
Chain sharpening. The easiest thing is to tell customers that if the chain gets dull, bring it back to the store for sharpening.
Blade breaks. Some pieces of equipment have blade breaks so that if you flip a switch, the blades don't move. They are very sharp; it's easy to lose a finger.
Basic safety. Have the customer sign an agreement noting that he or she was shown safety precautions. Keep this document with his or her rental contract. This is critical with chain saws, log splitters and chipper/shredders. It does not alleviate liability, but it may help clear you if there is an accident.