PIPES

On trucks the 6m or longer pipes must be fully supported on the loading area. Avoid loading at the same time with sharp objects. Pipes should not be thrown or dragged along the ground.

Pipes should be given adequate support at all times. Pipes should not be stacked in large piles, especially in warm temperature conditions as the lower layers may distort, resulting in difficulties in jointing and pipe alignment. Any pipe with ends prepared for jointing (sockets and spigot joints, A joints, etc.) should be stacked in layers with sockets placed at alternate ends of the stacks and with the sockets protruding to avoid unstable stacks and the possibility of imparting a permanent set to the pipes.

For long-term storage, pipe racks should provide continuous support, but if this is not possible timber of at least 3 in. (75mm) bearing width at spacing not greater than 3 ft. (915mm) centers for pipe sizes 160mm and above, should be placed beneath the pipes and at 6 ft. (1.8m) centres at the side, If the stacks are rectangular. These spacing apply to pipe size 160 mm and above. Closer supports will be required for sizes below 160mm in such pipe racks. Pipes may be stored not more than seven layers, or 6 ft. (1.8m) high, whichever is the lesser. But if different classes of pipe are kept in the same racks, than the thickness classes of largest diameter must always be placed at the bottom.

When loading pipes on to vehicles, care must be taken to avoid their coming into contact with any sharp corners such as cope irons, loose nail-heads, etc. as pipes may be damaged by being rubbed against these during transit. Whilst in transit. pipes shall be well secured over their entire length and not allowed to project unsecured over the tailboard of the lorry pipes may be off-loaded from lorries by rolling them gently down timbers, care being take to ensure that pipes do not fall one upon an- other, nor on to any hard or uneven surfaces.

Rubber sealing rings should not be stored in the open period, nor sitpuld be exposed to sun light.

It is recommended not to keep rubber sealing rings on stock for too long time it cannot be avoided to keep them in stock for several years, they should be kept free of tension in a cool place without radiation of light, if possible. In rooms where no electrical equipment is in operation. Rubber sealing rings should not come into contact with chemicals, grease or fuels.