SECTION 17. MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE

17.1 BACKGROUND

Continued improvements and new developments have occurred in recent years in areas such as general storage, powered industrial trucks, cranes, slings, explosives, and LP gas. Most safe practices are found in OSHA and NFPA codes. Observance of the codes will significantly reduce the hazards involved with materials handling and storage.

17.2 INDOOR GENERAL STORAGE

Any commodities that may be hazardous in combination with each other should be stored so they cannot come in contact with each other.

Do not exceed safe floor loads.

An 18-inch clearance is required between top of storage and smoke detectors. If there are no detectors, a 3-foot clearance is required.

Storage clearance from ducts will be 6 inches.

A 3-foot minimum clearance must be maintained between stored materials and unit heaters, radiant space heaters, duct furnaces, and flues.

Stored items will be maintained at a safe distance from light fixtures, and light fixtures will have shades or guards.

Main and cross aisles should be located opposite window or door openings in exterior walls to permit emergency escape.

17.2A INDOOR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL STORAGE

Two Flammable storage cabinets are provided in the garage area for storage of flammable liquids and gases. Aside from small containers that are in use all flammable materials shall be stored in these cabinets.

One corrosive storage cabinet is provided in the garage. All corrosive material shall be stored in this cabinet when not in use.

17.3 HANDLING MATERIALS

Aisles and passageways must be kept clear and in good repair, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard.

Storage of material should not create a hazard. Storage in tiers must be stacked, blocked, interlocked, or limited in height so as not to be unstable and unsecured from sliding or collapse.

Indoors and outdoors storage areas must be kept free from accumulation of materials that could cause any of the following hazards: tripping, fire, explosion, or pest harborage. For example, outdoors, a large overgrowth of weeds would require elimination and proper control.

Proper drainage will be provided.

Covers and/or guardrails must be provided to protect personnel from the hazards of open pits, tanks, ditches, etc.

APO may have a forklift on loan from NSO/SP. The supervisor of the NSO/SP civil engineering shops shall control and train APO employees that operate their forklift on APO property.

17.4 OVERHEAD CRANES, HOISTS, AND SLINGS

Extensive regulations (OSHA & NFPA) exist which govern the use, inspection, and maintenance of overhead cranes, hoists, and slings. The following rules present an overview of them:

- only trained and designated personnel will be permitted to operate overhead cranes and perform rigging operations;
- the rated load of the crane must be plainly marked;
- safe clearance must be maintained for the safety of personnel;
- periodic safety inspections and load testing are required;
- signed records must be maintained;
- inspection items include hydraulic system parts, ropes for excessive wear, broken wires, loose bolts or rivets, cracked or worn sheaves, drums, pins, bearings, shafts, gears, rollers, locking and clamping devices, brake system parts and electrical apparatus for signs of pitting. This list is not all-inclusive; specific inspection requirements are available from the Site Safety Officer;
- an established preventive maintenance program based on the crane manufacturer’s recommendations is required.

A list of trained operators shall be maintained by the Site Safety Officer. Training shall include use, inspection, operation, slinging, and personnel safety. Retraining shall occur every 2 years or in the event of an incident or other unsafe operation.

The 5-ton and 3-ton hoists shall be inspected annually or prior to primary mirror handling. Inspection shall include servicing and load testing.

The 1-ton hoists shall be inspected annually and prior to each use.

All slings and load suspension equipment shall be inspected prior to each use. Only devices with a certified load rating attached to them shall be used.

All hoists shall be powered off when not in use to limit access.

Working directly under suspended loads is prohibited. Persons working on levels below the operating hoist shall wear hardhats.

None of the APO hoists are to be used to lift life loads.