A construction site has a lot of materials at any point. Most of these are normally in their original condition, which means that they will undergo some processing before they can be brought into the building to become part of the building. They come in different forms and can be classified as follows;
Factory Goods – These are mostly ready-to-use items, they are unique in that they can be easily resold and therefore easy targets for theft. They are also tricky due to the fact that they have unique storage requirements. Examples here include;
o Cement: The most important attribute to consider when storing cement is the fact that it reacts chemically when it comes into contact with moisture. For this reason, it should be kept in the shade and on a platform, away from excessive humidity.
o Ceramic: These include toilets, sinks, tiles and the like. They are extremely delicate and break easily. This attribute is also shared with glasses. Therefore, they must be properly packaged in padded cardboard boxes and away from areas of high activity, usually under lock and key.
o Hardware: Includes locks, hinges, handles and the like. Due to their small size, they are prone to theft. These must also be kept tightly closed and only issued under strict responsibility.
Raw materials: this category belongs to the main items such as stone, ballast and sand. These are not prone to the above issues like weather and theft. However, they do have one attribute that is bulky. They consume a lot of space on the site and require a generous allocation of storage space. These are best stored in bays and contained using things like stones, in the case of sand.
ยท Workshop finished items: this category also includes semi-finished items, for example in the case of wood. The items here are generally factory-ready to install and are mostly made on purpose. Some may have been imported from abroad and in your exact measurements. This means that damage or loss will lead to costly replacement work. Examples here include accessories, wood, roofing materials, etc.
Material storage is a very important part of site management. How materials are delivered and dispatched determines how easily things flow. In almost all cases, site space is often restricted and as such material storage needs to be very well thought out. One thing to consider is that only time-necessary and important materials and items should be stored on site to minimize the risks mentioned above. Very accurate records must be kept of all materials required, ordered, delivered, accepted, stored, dispatched, put to work, and any deficiencies. Good material storage guarantees the following benefits on site.
Easy movement around the site
Reduction of waste and damage
Loss reduction due to theft or otherwise