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STORAGE
The following recommendations relate to the storage of PVCu pipes
under the normal climatic conditions of the United Kingdom.
a) Pipes should be stacked on a reasonably flat
surface free from sharp projections, stones and
other protuberances. Side supports should be
provided at intervals of not more than 1.5m
and these supports should preferably consist of
battens not less than 75mm wide. However, if
pipes are delivered in factory strapped bundles,
no side supports are necessary.
b) Pipes should be uniformly supported
throughout their length, if this is not possible
timber battens at least 75mm wide at spacings
not greater than 1m centres should be placed
beneath the pipes. Preferably pipes of different
sizes and wall thicknesses should be stacked
separately. Where this is not possible the pipes
with larger diameters and thicker walls should
be at the bottom. It is preferable that pipes
should not be stacked one inside the other.
c) If spigot and socket pipes are stacked, sockets should be placed
at alternate ends of the stack with sockets protruding so that the
pipes are evenly supported along their entire length. Pipe stacks
should not exceed 7 layers with a maximum height of 2m.
HANDLING
Pipes made from PVCu are strong, though
lightweight and are therefore very easily handled.
However, it is necessary to take care to prevent damage; in particular,
pipes should not be thrown, dropped or dragged along. If pipes are
moved by rolling it is necessary to support them along their length
and properly restrain them on inclines.
If pipes are loaded or unloaded by mechanical
means (forklift, crane etc,) care should be taken to
prevent damage. Pipes should be properly
supported in two places when lifted. Preferably
protected slings should be used, if metal chains
and hooks are all that is available, padding should
be placed between them and the pipes. If pipes
are delivered stuffed, special care should be taken
to avoid damage during unloading.
IMPORTANT
The impact strength of PVCu is reduced in cold
weather during which time extra care must be
taken to prevent site damage.
TRANSPORT
Vehicles with a flat bed should be used for the transport of pipes.The
bed should be free from nails or other projections. Each pipe should
be supported uniformly along its length. Vehicles should have adequate
side supports at not more than 1.5m centres and pipes should be well
secured during transit.All uprights should be flat and free from sharp
edges.
When loading spigot/socket pipes, they should be
stacked in alternate layers so that the sockets do
not carry any load.
Pipes should be loaded onto vehicles in such a
way that any overhang does not exceed 1m.
Thick walled pipes must be loaded before thin
walled pipes. |
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