There are a number of important procedures and recommendations in regard to the delivery and storage of your steel building kit that you need to be aware of. For those who intend on storing their kit for an extended period before construction, it is advised that extra care and caution are taken.
Delivery
Upon delivery, the driver must have access to the site to allow placement of the kit. Where possible it is desirable that the building is placed within 5 to 6 meters of the building pad to minimise double handling. It is important to allow for access around the building during construction.
Storage
The following recommendations and precautions must be taken into consideration:
- 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 are as follows:
- The roller doors are marked "Handle like Eggs" which means they are easily damaged, they are your responsibility to handle in such a way to prevent damage occurring.
- 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.
Plans and construction manuals have been emailed to you and are also available through our client portal. Please ensure this is passed on to your builder. It is in your best interest to follow the instructions and recommendations outlined.
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’.