7 Expert Techniques for Storing Your Construction Materials Safely

Proper storage of construction materials is crucial to maintaining a safe work environment and preventing potential hazards. Exposure to harsh weather conditions can also affect certain materials, making them less reliable and increasing project costs.

(Photo : Pexels/Engin Akyurt)

1. Select A Storage Area Carefully

Improper handling and storage can negatively impact the quality of building materials and equipment. All materials need to be properly protected, kept, and handled in the appropriate manner to prevent damage. Having appropriate storage solutions in place can facilitate the ability to handle materials more easily throughout the project.

2. Use Specialized Material Racks

Construction supplies are often stored on racks and protected from damage by stacking, obstructing, and linking them. The purpose of this method is to protect them from falling, slipping, or collapsing because of their weight. Therefore, your building supplies must be stored on racks designed explicitly. As an illustration, it is impossible to stack bags on a storage unit made of sheet glass since the unit will only live for a short time. One of the most effective strategies is to select a storage rack appropriate for each item category that has been stored in your facility.

3. Avoid Stacking Drums, Barrels, Or Kegs

Stacking barrels or drums on top of one another is not recommended since it increases the likelihood that the containers will become unstable, sustain damage, or develop leaks. Rather than using wooden boards or pallets, use them between each stage. Moreover, putting the barrels in a single location lets you observe how much more stable they become.

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4. Store Similar Materials Together

Certain chemicals and building materials, when combined, have the potential to react with one another. Some are reportedly extremely combustible. Thus, this creates a risk not just for the workers but also for the material itself.  As mentioned, your construction project will incur additional expenses if the fire consumes construction materials, as you must return to the shop to purchase replacements. Because of this, arranging the storage of materials and chemicals in various locations is necessary. 

5. Know Each Storage Weight Limits

In most cases, the exterior cover of a construction material will specify the maximum weight that may be stored in that material. Due to the ease with which those materials can fall, failure to adhere to this limit can provide a significant risk to the workers and cause certain materials to crack. Nevertheless, maintaining compliance with the acceptable weight limits is one way to prevent problems.

6. Have Trained Workers on the Site

The best solution to mitigating the numerous hazards associated with material handling and storage is to employ trained personnel conversant with the most effective methods to prevent such incidents while bearing the inherent dangers in mind. Make sure that you invite all of your workers to participate in the safety training programs before the building process begins its first day, which will ensure that they remain safe throughout the process. By surrounding themselves with other workers and building sites, workers who are prepared with the most significant measures and information will be in the best position to succeed.

7. Don't Compromise on the Security

Given their costly nature, the expenses associated with replacing construction materials would be substantial in the event of theft or loss. You should invest in installing several security cameras, such as CCTV cameras, and you should always take a daily count before the beginning and end of the day.

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