The Importance of Construction Site Storage
Construction projects require a lot of building materials, tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), machinery, and even vehicles. Storage systems prevent theft of these items and also ensure that they’re protected from the elements and factors that could potentially damage them.Proper storage facilities and storage practice also lower the risk of accidents due — such as preventing stacks of rebar or metal pipes from falling toppling over and injuring those nearby. Adequate and appropriate storage systems don’t only ensure the safety and security of these items, but they can also streamline operations by storing them in a strategic and organised manner for easy access.
As such, we’ll be taking a look at tips to improve the storage system in construction sites, which can improve the site’s overall safety, security, and productivity:
#1 Storage is Not ‘One-Size Fits All’
One thing you have to remember is that different tools and materials require different storage conditions. While it may be safe to store steel or metal pipes on secured racks inside a shipping container, you should avoid storing batteries, aerosol spray cans, and other heat-sensitive items in it as well, as they can be damaged or even explode from the heat that builds up inside the shipping container. Likewise, corrosive substances should be stored in corrosion-resistant containers that should have vents that allow trapped gases to escape to prevent them from building up pressure. Personal protective equipment should be stored in lockers or individualised rack systems for easy access. The bottom line is that you have to make sure that you’re using the appropriate storage facility/equipment for certain items.
#2 Know Your Options and Alternatives
Shipping containers are heavily utilised by construction sites when storing various materials and equipment. However, you should be aware of other alternatives you can use for safe and secure storage. For example, you can use a mesh cage, also called rubbish cages, which are a lightweight and secure way to store equipment, tools, and materials, and are made up of heavy-duty mesh to prevent unauthorised access to these items. There are also shipping container buildings, which can serve as both shelter and storage for construction materials, tools, and even vehicles.
#3 Proper Logging and Documentation
It may seem tedious, but it’s important to properly document the usage and storage of building materials and equipment. By having workers properly ‘log out’ any equipment or material from their designated storage area, you’ll be able to keep track of how much material is being used to prevent theft. Logging equipment usage (from vehicles to welding machines) from the time it’s retrieved from the storage area until the time it’s stored ensures accountability. It also helps one keep track of how frequent it’s being utilised which is important when scheduling preventive maintenance and inspections.
#4 Video Surveillance
Construction equipment and building materials are very costly, which is why you’d want to prevent theft of these items at all costs. Apart from properly storing them in secure storage facilities, it’s important to supplement security through the use of security cameras in these storage areas.
#5 Insurance
Lastly, to further protect your tools/equipment and materials from theft or damage, it’s important to have insurance to minimise the cost.
Conclusion
Through proper storage systems and safety practices, you’ll be able to improve the safety of your site, workers, and equipment/materials. So make sure you take note of these storage safety and security tips to prevent loss, damage, thefts, and even accidents in your construction site.
