A busy construction site is a hive of activity, with builders, equipment and construction materials moving around in a robust way. Extra vigilance is required to ensure safety on the site, with protocols being especially important to avoid injury or damage to property or humans. With machinery working and materials being transported, good organization is required to ensure the safety of everyone and to the materials themselves. Storage of Construction Materials
This means that the way in which construction materials are received, stored, and accessed for use must be done according to a well thought out plan, which has the buy-in of all concerned and followed to the letter.
Material handling and storage on construction site locations, if done according to the correct set of principles, will be completely secure, systematized, and safe for all involved. Here are some steps to be followed:
The Storage of Materials
It is not possible to lock all materials in a closed environment but it’s essential to be one step ahead of potential thieves, as construction materials and equipment are a common target, and losing expensive equipment is a big set-back if it happens. Materials left in the open are open to opportunists who seek to help themselves after hours under the cover of darkness.
Construction materials can’t be mixed together as they need different storage conditions, and some don’t go with each other. Others like tools and equipment need more security than say, cement blocks which could be stored outside. Chemicals should not be mixed with anything else as they could cause combustion and damage. Waste will have its own storage needs while it is stored prior to collection.
So, zones or designated areas should be allocated to a different category of construction material according to their individual storage requirements and which are not in high traffic areas and are accessible no less.
Waste on its own could be subdivided into waste subcategories, such as waste for recycling (metal, wood, plastic, glass, and cardboard) while hazardous materials which when generated at a construction site, need the appropriate treatment according to Health & Safety regulations.
Storing Cement
Cement is anhydrous, attracting moisture at any opportunity. When this happens, the cement goes hard and loses its integrity over time. Therefore, cement must be stored in a dry, moisture-free environment. As there is the potential for moisture to seep upwards through the floor, cement should be laid on pallets 200 mm off the floor.
Stacks should not be higher than 10 bags on a stack, not packed against a wall, away from light. As cement ages, it is essential to clearly label the date of receipt and practice good stock rotation, on a first-in-first-out basis.
Storing of Steel
Reinforced or structural steel will corrode or rust when outside. Treat steel with a spot of paint on their ends with different colours to recognize what they are, and coat with a cement wash for protection prior to storing. Store your steel bars according to the different grades and sizes, so that they are easy to locate when you need to use them. Pack the steel 150 mm off the ground laying the steel flat to prevent bending later. A dry self-storage unit is the safest option for storing steel, and if a portable storage unit is chosen for this purpose, placing it in an accessible spot is preferable.
Storing of Bricks
Bricks need to be stored close to where the building is taking place, to reduce time and labour when having to transport them after delivery. They are normally packed on pallets, secured by strapping.
Bricks can be stored on a pallet on the ground on a level dry spot. Stacking is uniform normally 50x length x 10 high x 4 wide, with gaps between the stacks, particularly if they are going to be moved by a forklift.
Storage of Tools and equipment
These valuable items need to be locked away and an inventory kept ensuring that they are kept safe and don’t go missing. Stop & Store Fareham self storage units are ideal for this purpose, keeping everything secure at the end of the day, for use the following day. The self-storage unit can double as a mobile workshop by adding mobile racking and tables to the equation and running a power cable to the unit. This is especially useful for the likes of running repairs on a construction site.
Storing Timber on site
The standard rules relating to the stacking of timber apply even if the timber is going to be used shortly after receipt. Store the wood 150 mm off the ground with crossers helping to make layers with 25 mm gaps for air between the wooden beams as they are stacked. Place a heavy weight on the wood to prevent warping and keep your wood out of the wind and rain.
Storage of aggregates
Aggregates need the least protection and can stand outside on a dry, level piece of ground. Keep the different aggregates from mixing with each other, preferably in separate piles out of the wind, as sand could be blown away or onto other aggregates.
Managing Construction Material Storage
Let Stop & Store Fareham self storage assist you with the planning when you need to store construction materials. Our professional team can advise you on the most efficient way to store and secure them and help you manage this important component of the contract.
Call us anytime during office hours, on Phone: +44 1329 556174
Or come for a visit, and one of our friendly staff will assist you.
Our premises are at Thackeray Mall, Unit C (First Floor) 26a, Fareham PO16 0PQ.