Section IX. Rules for Safe Storage

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

or petroleum product containers, bulging drums due to

6-43.

For outside storage areas (additional

expansion of liquids under high temperatures, and other

precautions).

similar unsafe conditions. The storage area will be

a. Smoking prohibited.

Smoking will not be

inspected for encroaching vegetation.

Vegetation,

allowed in immediate outside storage areas; within

including dry weeds, will be cleared away from outside

areas where lumber, gasoline, and other petroleum

storage areas.

products are stored; and within specified distances of

boundaries of such areas. Assure that "No Smoking"

c. Life preservers at docks and piers. At docks

signs are posted in locations where smoking is not

and piers where depth of water is a possible hazard,

permitted.

should personnel fall overboard, life preservers will be

maintained at 200-foot intervals at all times. Life

b. Frequent inspections will be conducted in all

preservers and belts will be provided at work areas

open storage areas. Particular attention will be focused

where

personnel

work

over

water.

on stability of stacks of steel and lumber, potential

causes of fire in lumber storage, leaking solvent, paint

Section IX. Rules for Safe Storage

6-44. General.

All materials.

All materials (palletized or

unpalletized) will be place and secured in a safe

g. Tying load. In regions where) strong winds prevail,

manner.

noncapped or nonstrapped stacks of lumber or empty

drums in open storage will be tied to prevent top units

b. Pallet loads. All pallet loads will be squared to

from being blown off.

achieve a four-point level top. Superimposed loads will

be set squarely and firmly to preclude rocking or tipping.

h. Stacking clearance. Pallet loads will be stacked with

When loads have voids, the perimeter units will be

2 inches of clearance on all sides to prevent dislocation

placed at or near pallet edges. (A four-point load is one

of adjacent units.

which provides four points of contact, level with each

other on top, at or near the four sides of pallet.) Pallet

i. Storing of crushable containers. Crushable containers

support sets may be used for storing unstable loads.

will have vertical supports placed in such a manner that

weight of material stored above will not be supported

c. Partially loaded pallets. Partially loaded pallets will

entirely by the containers. Unstable or odd-shaped units

be stored in pallet racks or on top of stacks. A full load

such as brooms; swabs, bales of rags, cloth, and

will not be superimposed on a partial load and a large

oakum; coils of rope; or any item which may settle

load will not be superimposed on a small load. Heavy

slowly in prolonged storage will have the top loads in

loads will not be stored on top of a light load or on

proximity to each other in parallel rows. Each load will

material which could be broken or damaged.

contact parts of four vertical columns or stacks of loads

so that the containers may be tied at the top to prevent

d. Nonsecured top loads. Nonsecured top loads of tall

outward leaning of the stacks. Pallet support sets may

cylindrical units stacked on the end or any type of unit

also be used to support crushable loads.

which has a tendency to lean or settle outwards will be

tied with cord or tape; in multiple course top loads, a

j. Moving or lifting unstable units. To move and lift tall

piece of fiberboard or wrapping paper should be laid

or unstable units on pallets, especially when heavy units

horizontally between the two upper courses of units.

could cause outward bowing of the pallet, the forks of

When stacked vertically, loads with cylinders of

the forklift truck will be spread as wide as possible and

compressed gas will be strapped and collared.

when necessary, the units will be tied to prevent

perimeter units from falling off the pallet.

e. Unusable pallets. Broken or damaged pallets will be

replaced with pallets in safe condition.

k. Securing loads placed on trailers. Loads of material

placed on warehouse trailers for movement within the

f. Use of dunnage. Where it is necessary to stack

warehouse, between warehouses, to docks, piers, and

heavy materials in open storage on muddy or soft

loading platforms will be secured and tied, if necessary,

ground or on asphalt-type paved surfaces that soften in

to prevent material from falling off when turns are being

hot weather, sufficient base dunnage of broad

made, when moving up or down ramps, or when turns

dimensions will be provided to preclude later tipping or

are being made, when moving up or down ramps, or

settling of such material.

when crossing railroad tracks or unlevel surfaces.

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