General Packing and Handling
1.1.1 Straight lengths of trays, ladders, covers and channel
These shall be packed in bundles using adequate banding* and balanced at the centre.
* It is recommended that where possible non-metallic banding is used in order to avoid rust stains forming on
galvanized products and contamination of stainless steel products.
Where products of five metre lengths or above are packed in bundles, they shall be supported with a minimum of three timber bearers which provide sufficient clearance to accommodate the forks of a forklift truck. Bearers shall be spaced evenly along the length of the bundle.
Where shorter length products are packed in bundles, they shall be supported with a minimum of two timber bearers which provide sufficient clearance to accommodate the forks of a forklift truck. Bearers shall be spaced evenly along the length of the bundle.
Bundles should be placed on a flat level surface with timber bearers. If bundles are stacked on top of one another they should be aligned vertically. The handler is responsible for ensuring that the stack is stable. The working height and load capacity of the storage facility and/or transport vehicle should not be exceeded.
1.1.2 Boxed and bagged parts
Boxes and bags should be stacked onto suitably sized pallets for handling by a fork lift truck.
Pallets of parts must be kept dry and stacking should be avoided.
1.1.3 Tray and Ladder Fittings
Small parts should be stacked onto suitably sized pallets for handling by a forklift truck. Each pallet should be suitably wrapped in order to secure the parts. Pallets of parts must be kept dry and stacking should be avoided. Large parts should be packed and transported in the same way as straight lengths detailed above.
1.1.4 Specialised Packaging
Where delivery involves transhipment or rough handling en route it is recommended that products are packed in wooden crates or wooden cases.
1.2 Loading and offloading recommendations
Site deliveries should preferably only be made where suitable mechanical handling equipment is available on site.
The delivered material must be treated with care. Lifting must only be carried out from the sides and the forklift truck tines must pass below a complete bundle, see Figure 1a. Tines must never* be inserted into the end of the bundle, see Figure 1b unless provision is made such as special packaging and/or extended tines, otherwise the safety limits of the lifting vehicle may be exceeded and damage may be caused to the equipment being lifted.
For offloading by crane suitable lifting beams should be inserted from side to side beneath a bundle and these must be sufficiently long to avoid undue pressure on the edges of the bottom components.
The tensioned banding used for securing bundles of equipment during transport is not suitable for lifting purposes. When cutting this banding appropriate eye protection must be worn to avoid injury.
Sheared steel (particularly pre-galvanized or stainless steel) does have relatively sharp edges and protective gloves must be worn during handling.
1.3 Storage
In order to store Cable Tray Systems, Cable Ladder Systems, Channel Support Systems and other supports safely and maintaining them in their delivered condition, the following guidelines should be considered:-
Products which are either Hot Dip Galvanized (HDG) after manufacture, stainless steel or non-metallic can be stored outside without cover (excluding boxed items). When stored outside products should be stacked in a method that ensures adequate drainage. However outside storage is not recommended for galvanized products due to wet storage stain (see below). Ideally, all metallic products should be stored undercover in a dry, unheated environment and be loosely stacked off the ground to ensure adequate ventilation. It is important that products that have different finishes are kept apart.
Products Pre Galvanized (PG) before manufacture should always be protected and stored in a well ventilated and dry location, and stacked as above.
Any components packaged in degradable bags, boxes, cartons etc. should always be stored in a well ventilated and dry location.
All products should be stored away from areas where processes or activities could cause damage and/or contamination. Due consideration should be given to ensure products are stacked together by type and width and in such a way as to prevent toppling.
1.3.1 Wet Storage Stain
If galvanized products are allowed to become wet whilst stacked awaiting transportation or installation the finish may quickly suffer from unsightly staining and powdering on the surface. This is commonly known as ‘wet storage stain’ and detracts from the overall appearance of the product. Generally this condition does not however, reduce the life expectancy of the corrosion resistance of the finish.
Where equipment has been affected by wet storage stain the unsightly marking will usually become much less prominent and will often disappear completely within months of installation. The stain is converted to zinc carbonate by reaction with atmospheric CO2 so providing a protective patina.
Continue reading: Installation of the system
