Handling, Transportation& Storage

4.1 Handling

Ni surfaces slabs must be loaded, unloaded and transported by means of a forklift, bridge crane or other suitable lifting device.

• ENGINEER'S APPROVAL

An engineer who specializes in lifting and handling must approve that all the lifting tools and equipment are in good working order, and that they are suitable for the purpose and the weight of the load.

• ARRANGING SLABS

When more than one slab is lifted in one load, the slabs must be back-to-back with no gaps.

• PREFERRED ACCESSORIES

The preferred accessories for attaching the slabs to the lifting device are clamps or straps.

4.1.1 Lifting Methods

Take the precautions below when lifting:

• When lifting slabs by scissor lifter or clamp lifter, start lifting the slabs slowly and check that they are firmly secured before transporting them.

• Do not modify the clamps or other lifting mechanisms.

• Do not exceed the load lifting capacity of the lifting equipment.

• When lifting or transporting slabs, use the correct lifting equipment certified with safe work load limits. Lift slabs by one of the methods following: Lifting Straps / Scissor Lifter / Clamp Lifter / Vacuum Lifter / Crane & Spreader Beam. Please follow the instructions in the equipment's mannual.

4.2 Transportation

Ni surfaces can weigh in excess of 200 kg (440 lb) per slab. All vehicles transporting Ni surfaces must be appropriately designed to withstand the weight and safely transport the load. See the diagrams below.

• Securely attach an appropriate, approved frame with no visible defects to the truck for loading NI surfaces, e.g., an A-frame.

• Ensure that the A-frames are appropriately secured to the vehicle and the slabs are appropriately secured to the A-frame so that they cannot move during transportation.

• Load the slabs evenly on both sides of the frame, face-to-face and back-to-back with no gaps.

• Use proper load-rated straps or ratchet tie-downs to secure the load. These should be discarded at the first signs of wear. Do not use rope to secure a load; it deteriorates very quickly and has a greater element of elasticity, which reduces its effectiveness.

• Protect the straps from abrasion and damage from the slabs by placing protective strips between the straps and the edges of the slabs.

4.2.1 Transportation of Fabricated Surfaces

Correct racking is essential for transporting fabricated pieces to the site in good condition. Please note the specific instructions below in addition to the general instructions.

• PROTECTIVE LAYER

Ensure that there is a protective layer between the rack and the fabricated pieces to prevent scratching or other surface damage during transit.

• ARRANGING THE FABRICATED PIECES ON THE RACK

Arrange the fabricated pieces on the rack face-to-face and back-to-back with no gaps. Each piece must be fully supported by the adjacent piece. Place pieces with cutouts in the center of the stack for protection by solid pieces. A protective layer may be placed between cut pieces of different sizes to prevent abrasion lines.

• SECURE THE SLABS

Safely secure the slabs using the appropriate load-rated securing devices.

4.2.2 Driver Responsibilities

Drivers must stay with their vehicles. Drivers must ensure that:

• the vehicle is in good order and condition

• the load is within the legal carrying capacity of the vehicle, including if it is partially loaded before loading the Ni surfaces slabs

• the correct slabs are loaded

• the load is fully supported and safely secured to the vehicle prior to leaving the premises

4.3 Storage

4.3.1 Rack Storage

• SUPPORT POSTS

Support the slabs with a minimum of two support posts spaced 1500-1800 mm (59-71") apart, with the slab positioned centrally in relation to the posts.

• MAX SLABS IN A STACK

For a 20mm slab, the weight ranges from 175 to 230 kg. You can determine the maximum number of slabs that can be stored by calculating based on the maximum weight capacity of the posts or rack.

For a 30mm slab, the weight ranges from 262 to 345 kg. You can determine the maximum number of slabs that can be stored by calculating based on the maximum weight capacity of the posts or rack.

• STORE UNDER COVER

Ni surfaces recommends storing slabs under cover at all times.

• DO NOT EXPOSE THE POLISHED SURFACE

Store the outer slabs in each rack with their backs facing outwards, so that the polished surface is not exposed.

• EASY IDENTIFICATION

Store slabs face-to-face and back-to-back with no gaps, in a manner that allows for easy identification of color and batch numbers

• CUT SLABS

Do not store cut slabs between full slabs.

• RUBBER BUFFERS

Ni surfaces recommends placing rubber buffers on the base of the stand to prevent the slabs chipping.

4.3.2 Storage on A-Frames

Storing Ni surfaces on an A-frame requires careful handling to ensure safety and prevent damage. Follow these steps to properly store your slabs:

• POSITION THE A-FRAME

Place the A-frame on a flat, stable surface.

• LOAD IN SEQUENCE

Start loading slabs from one end of the A-frame to the other, ensuring even weight distribution.

• STORE UNDER COVER

Ni surfaces recommends storing slabs under cover at all times.

• SECURE THE SLABS

Use straps, clamps or posts to secure the slabs in place, preventing them from shifting or falling.

• SUPPORT ANGELS

Make sure slabs are supported at a slight angle to lean securely against the A-frame without tipping over.