Open Storage Space.

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.42

as space that has been graded and surfaced with

2-3. Open Storage Space.

concrete, tar, asphalt, crushed stone, gravel, or other

suitable topping. The area is surfaced with a suitable

a. Open storage space is all uncovered space that

topping which provides adequate drainage necessary to

is used for storage purposes. There are two types of

afford the item with protection from wet ground

open storage areas, improved and unimproved.

conditions. Figure 2-16 shows an example of a hard

surface open improved storage area.

(1) Open improved storage space.

This

space includes areas that have a finished surface such

Figure 2-16. Hard Surfaced Open Improved Area

(b) A storage layout for an open

(a) An open improved storage area

unimproved area is affected by the same criteria as that

usually has a hard surface of a more conventional

for open improved storage areas. However, to take

surfacing topping which provides an adequate running

advantage of existing drainage, supplies may have to be

surface for the operation of MHE. A steel mat topping

positioned and aisles or roadways may have to be

may be used in some instances due to immediate need

located, without regard to conventional storage

or lack of other suitable topping; however, this method is

practices.

not desirable.

(b) Storage layouts for open improved

areas vary because of terrain features and types of

b. Storage managers must be aware that material

commodity stored. In reality, aisles become roadways

stored in open storage areas may be either approved or

due to the size of the MHE required.

unapproved for storage in such areas. Material that is

approved for open storage is so authorized because

there is little or no concern of damage to the material

(2) Open unimproved storage space. This

which could result from the elements of an open

space consists of unsurfaced open areas designated for

environment. Sometimes material stored in open areas

storage purposes.

is unapproved for storage in that the material requires

(a) The limitation on the use of MHE is

covered storage but is being stored in open areas.

a significant disadvantage of open unimproved storage.

Unapproved open storage can result in causing severe

This type storage should be used only with certain stock

damage to the material being stored because of

and only when a higher upgrade of open improved

overexposure to harsh environmental conditions.

space is not available.

Section II. Space Requirement Factors

storage, and issue of materials. Space economy can be

2-4. General.

obtained only by thorough planning for the use of space.

a. Storage space is a basic resource of any

storage operation.

Economy depends upon the

b. Space requirements are not computed on an

optimum utilization of this space and the proper

"after the fact" basis. That is, inventories are not

arrangement of operations incident to the receipt,

2-15