1.7.2 Storage and Handling

In order to reduce to a minimum the risk of damage or deterioration which may affect the safety of equipment, it is essential to provide suitable storage for equipment not in use and in many cases to prepare it for storage first.

The ideal storage requirements vary according to the nature of equipment and reference shall be made to manufacturers literature. However, in general the storage area should be dry, free from injurious pollution and not subject to extreme temperatures. Equipment embodying exposed threads or machined bearing surfaces (e.g. eyebolts, shackles) should be protected and handled with care. Equipment which is returned to stores wet or has been subject to other substances liable to cause deterioration should be treated with special care. In particular, it should be remembered that solutions of chemicals will become more concentrated as the solvent evaporates, e.g. weak acids will become strong acids. In these circumstances the general advice is to clean and dry the equipment into storage.

The area should be designated for the purpose and preferably controlled to restrict access of unauthorised persons.

Bins, racks, etc. should be provided and only the heavier, more robust, items allowed to lie on the floor. Requirements for storing individual items are given in the appropriate sections of the code.