Building Kit Storage

At the time of delivery, the driver must have clear access within 5 to 6 metres of the building site to allow placement of the kit. Ensuring the kit is placed as close to the building pad as possible will minimize double handling, which will result in some form of damage to the steel building components.

Storing your steel building correctly is important to ensure it remains in top condition. For those who intend on storing their building kit for an extended period of time before construction, extra care and consideration must be taken.

The following recommendations and precautions should be taken into consideration when storing your steel building kit:

• The steel building kit and its various sections must be laid on a level and flat plane.
• If kit is to be stored on natural ground alleviate condensation from the ground into packs using a plastic ground cover.
• Packs are to be stored on gluts or suitable timber to avoid contact with mud or water and allow air circulation around the pack to promote drying. Orient packs on a slight incline to promote drainage.
• Protect packs from rain and overnight condensation by covering with a loose fitting waterproof tarp. Removal or cutting of plastic wraps from any bundles may reduce ‘sweating’ of the pack due to moisture in the air being unable to escape the plastic wrapping. Even in the absence of rainfall moisture in the air can cause condensation.
• Rain and condensation may be drawn between the surfaces of bundled posts, bundled purlins or nested sheets by capillary action. If products become wet (which can occur from condensation alone) a storage solution that allows air circulation across all wet surfaces should be implemented as soon as is practical. If products remain wet for extended periods staining and/or corrosion may occur and painted surfaces can be adversely impacted.
• Do not use steel to support the section packs as different types of materials will cause surface corrosion problems with cold form components.
• Bracketry, bolts and screws should be stowed in a dry spot to prevent these key ancillary products from rusting.
• Where PVC products (including Vermaseal) have been specified, to prevent the risk of heat distortion, products must be stored away from heat and sunlight until installed.
• Any specified insulation / sarking products delivered to site should be immediately stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Any Doors should be handled with care and if possible kept away from the main kit in a dry location. Similarly, any specified roller door motors should be stored inside.
• Flashings and rainwater goods such as gutters need to be handled carefully as they are easily damaged.
• A clear protective film is often applied to the painted surface of some COLORBOND® steel products to provide temporary protection during handling. This coating peels off easily when new, but sunlight can make it difficult to remove without affecting the paint. Ensure the protective film is removed as soon as practical.
• Steel products offer excellent corrosion resistance when exposed to a regular wet and dry cycle. Any imbalance in the cycle may adversely impact the performance of coated steel products.

Several safety issues arise with the storage of building kits. It is imperative that care is taken to avoid risks, including.

• Removal of the retaining straps releases pressure. If the steel building kit is not on a level site it can be unstable and can result in damage to the kit and or persons in close proximity.
• Slipping or rolling packs can cause crushing injuries.
• The kit should have a perimeter barrier to avoid injury from sharp edges.
• If a kit has been left for some time, particularly in a rural setting, be aware that pests such as snakes and venomous spiders may have taken up residence.

Sheds n Homes supply plans and construction manuals with every steel building kit. It is in your best interest to familiarise yourself with these documents and stow them away safely should you need to refer back to them in the future.

For additional information on the care and storage of BlueScope Steel coated steel products on your site prior to installation, please download from the BlueScope Library the latest Technical Bulletin TB 07 ‘Care of BlueScope coated steel products prior to installation’.