इंटरनेट मानक
Disclosure to Promote the Right To Information
Whereas the Parliament of India has set out to provide a practical regime of right to
information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities,
in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority,
and whereas the attached publication of the Bureau of Indian Standards is of particular interest
to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of
education and knowledge, the attached public safety standard is made available to promote the
timely dissemination of this information in an accurate manner to the public.
“जान1 का अ+धकार, जी1 का अ+धकार” “प0रा1 को छोड न' 5 तरफ”
Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan Jawaharlal Nehru
“The Right to Information, The Right to Live” “Step Out From the Old to the New”
IS 7969 (1975): Safety code for handling and storage of
building materials [CED 29: Construction Management
including safety in Construction]
“!ान $ एक न' भारत का +नम-ण”
Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda
“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”
“!ान एक ऐसा खजाना > जो कभी च0राया नहB जा सकता ह”
है”
ह
Bhartṛhari—Nītiśatakam
“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”
( Reaffirmed 2002 )
Is : 7969 - 1975
Indian Standard
SAFETY CODE FOR
HANDLING AND STORAGE OF
BUILDING MATERIALS .
Safety in Construction Sectional Committey, BDC 45
Chairman
SHRI D. N. CHOPRA
A-9133 Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-l 10057 and
Institution of Engineers ( India ), Calcutta
Manlbers Rcprcwn~ing
SHRI A. f%IRANJfLhL Builders’ Association of India, Bombay
SHIUJ. M. OBBROI ( Altmats )
DEPUTY CHEEP ENGINEER Ministry of Railways
&i%T%ESM Hindustan Construction Co Ltd, Bombay
SHRI V: R’. DEUSKAR Irrigation 8s Power Department, Government of
Maharashtra, Bombay
SHXI G. B. AQASKAR( Altarnab)
DIRECTOR, CG= Central Water Commission, New Delhi
DEPWTYDIRECTOR,CGPC ( Altnnats)
Srrar H. Iv. GUPTA Directorate General of Factory Advice Service and
Labour Institutes (Ministry of Labour 8t
Employment ), Bombay
Snru G. VAIDY+~UXAN ( Altemak )
SITR~ V. G. HE~DE National Buildings Organization, New Delhi
SHRI J. P. SHARMA( Albrnate )
SHRI J. P. KAUSHISH Central Building Research Institute ( CSIR),
Roorkee
Srmx R. L. KUMAR The Institution of Surveyors India, New Delhi
Smu P. N. MEHROTRA Ministry of Home Affairs
Smu G. B. MENON ( Altcrnote)
SHRI M. A. MEHTA Concrete Association of India, Bombay
SHRI Y. K. MEHTA ( Altenata )
Smu G. R. MIRCHANDANI Engineer-in-chief’s Branch, Army Headquarters
SHRI S. K. TANEJA ( Akwuate )
SBRI C. B. PATEL M. N. Dastur & Co ( P ) Ltd, Calcutta
SHRI P. K. SENCWTA ( Aknots)
( Continuad on page 2 )
I- i
@ Co&rikht 1976
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
This ublication is rotected under the Zndiun Copyright Act (XIV of 1957) and
reprox uction in whoPe or in part by any means except with written permission of the
publisher shall be deemed to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act.
IS t 7969 - 1975
( Continuedfrompage1 )
Members Rcprcsmting
SHRI S. S. PRASAD Directorate General of Mines Safety (Ministry of
Labour ), Dhanbad
SHRI K. BIIATTACHARIEE( Altmatti )
SWRIS. N. PUNJ National Proiects Construction Coqxxation. New
Delhi ”
SHRI K. N. TANEJA ( A&ma& )
SHRI K. N. RAMAMURTHY Hindustan Steel Limited, Ranchi
SHRI S. R. C. RAO ( Altemufe)
SHR~ S. A. REDDY Gammon India Limited, Bombay
SHRI K. G. SALVr Hindustan Housing Factory Ltd, New Delhi
SHRI G. B. SINOH ( Altermte )
SUPERINTENDXNO SURVEYOR OF Central Public Works Department, New Delhi
WORKS ( NDZ )
SURVEYOR OF WORICSV
( ND’Z ) ( Altenrati )
smu SIJSHILKusa~~ Natigti Buildings Construction Corporation, New
PROF C. G. SWAMNATHAN Central Road Research Institute f CSIR ), New Delhi
SHRI TILAK RAJ TAEULIA Indian Institute of Architects, Bombay
SI.IIIIR. S. VERb4A Geological Survey of India, Calcuti
SHRI P. L. NAR~LA ( Altmata )
SERI D. ANITA SIMIiA, Director General, BIS (Ex-o$kio Manber)
Director ( Civ Engg )
SIIRIJ. R. bfEIiTA
Deputy Director ( Civ Engg ), BIS
8s: 7969 - 1975
Indian Standard
SAFETY CODE FOR
HANDLING AND STORAGE OF
BUILDING MATERIALS
0. FOREWORD
0.1 This Indian Standard was adopted by the Indian Standards Institution
on 24 December 1975, after the draft finalized by the Safety in
Construction Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil
Engineering Division Council.
0.2 Handling and storage of building materials used in the construction
industry form essential operations till their final use. Handling of such
materials has, to be mostly multi-stage; but their storage too may become
multi-stage when the materials are first received in a central depot or
where the first unloading site is far from the work site or the storage site
has to be shifted for any reason. Unloading, stacking, lifting, loading and
conveying operations involved are, at present, mostly performed manually;
but, gradually, more and more mechanical aids and gadgets are being
brought into use. With the expanding construction activity, larger quanti-
ties of materiah have to be handled/stored and also newer and bulkier
materials are coming in and, consequently, the risks involved to workmen
employed on handling and storage operations also would increase. It has,
therefore, been felt necessary to prepare a safety code for giving guidance
to workmen for carrying out their operations safely. Reference shall also
be made to IS : 7293-1974* where mechanical means are used for handling
materials.
0.3 A number of Indian Standards pertaining to building materials give
@dance for their handling without damaging the same, while IS : 408!&
1967t covers practices for ensuring their damage-free storage. This
standard lays down complementary guidance framed to avoid accidents to
workmen engaged on handling and storage of building materials. Such
dents may result in injury Or loss of limb or life and, apart from
enses for attending to the injured and sometimes heavy compensations,
;t involve interruption of efficient execution of construction activity.
IS t 7969 - 1975
0.4 In the formulation of this standard, due weightage has been given to
international co-ordination among the standards and practices prevailing in
other countries.
0.5 For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this
standard is complied with, the final value, observed or calculated, express-
ing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance with
IS : 2-1960’. The number of significant places retained in the rounded off
value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.
1. SCCWET
1.1 This standard lays down the safety requirements to be observed in
handling aud storage of building materials at building sites and receiving
depots.
2. GENERAL
2.1 Stacking and Piling - Materials shall be segregated as to kind, size
and length and placed ifa neat, orderly piles that arc safe against falling. If
the piles are high, they shall be stepped back at suitable intervals in height.
Piles of materials shall be arranged so as to allow a passageway of not less
than 1 m width in between the piles or stacks for inspection and removal.
All passageways shall be kept clear of dry vegetation.
2.1.1 Materials shall be stacked on well drained, firm and unyielding
surface. Material shall not be stacked so as to impose any undue stresses
on walls or other structures.
2.1.2 Materials shall be stacked in such a manner as not to constitute a
hazard to passersby. At such places the stacks shall have suitable warning
signs in day time and red lights on and around them at night.
2.2 Manna1 Lifting - When the materials have to be handled manually
each workman shall be instructed by his foreman or supervisor in the
proper method of lifting heavy objects. Workmen shall be provided with
suitable equipment for his personal safety as necessary. Supervisors shall
also take care to assign enough men to each Lifting job; the weight carried
by each man shall be determined by the distance to be moved, difficulty bf
movement presented, time required, etc.
2.2.1 Whenever any stack exceeds l-5 m height, suitable and safe means
of access shall be provided for the use of workers and such means of access
shall not disturb the stability of the stack.
*Rules for roundingoff numericalvalues( revised
).
4
IS 17969 - 1975
23 Posting Storage. Areas -Appropriate signs shall be placed at all
storage locations where special conditions exist or where special precautions
are necessary.
3. STORAGE AND HANDLING OF MATERIALS
3.1 The stacking, storage and handling of materials generally used in
constructions shall be as given in 3.2 to 3.10.
3.2 Timber
3.2.1 Timber shall be stacked on unyielding and level dunnage. Cross
strips or cross piling shall be used where the pile is more than 1 m high.
3.2.2 The top of each pile shall be kept as level as possible when timber
is being removed.
3.2.3 No nails shall be allowed to protrude so as to cause any injury
hazard.
3.2.4 Two men shall carry long boards, and care shall be exercised at
corners and cross-walks.
3.3 Cement, Lime and Pozzolaaa
3.3.1 Handling-Workmen, handling bulk cement, lime or fine
pozzolana shall wear protective clothing, respirators, and goggles, shall be
instructed in the need of cleanliness to prevent dermatitis; and shall be
provided with hand cream, petroleum jelly, or similar preparation for
protection of exposed skin.
3.3.2 Stacking - Stacks shall not be higher than 15 bags. If the stack
has to be more than 8 bags high, the bags shall be arranged in header and
stretcher fashion, that is, alternate layers lengthwise and crosswise, so as
to tie the piles together to lessen the danger of toppling over. Bags shall
be removed uniformly from the top of the piles to avoid tipping of the
stack.
3.3.3 Silos - Bulk cement and pozzolana stored in silos or bins may
fail to feed to the. ejections system. When necessary to enter a silo or bin
for any purpose, the ejection system employed shall be shut down and
locked out. When necessary for a workman to enter such storage ar ’
shalt wear a life-line, with another workman outside the silo or hopper
attending the rope.
3.3.4 Lime - Unslaked lime shall be s’pre,! 2 a place inaccessible to
__ ____ ____ __-_-_I, ----_ -- ---_ --
.Z.nnVarr..C.&
~- ---- f..,,
-- _--_ th,
____
combustible materials,
5
r8¶7969-1975
3.4 Sheet Glass and Fibre Glass
3.4.1 Glass panes used in building construction shall be stacked on edge
with suitable supports.
3.4.2 Glass edges shall be covered or otherwise protected to prevent
injuries to workmen passing-by.
3.4.3 Waste glass pieces shall be stored or disposed of in such a manner
as to avoid injuries to workmen.
3.4.4 Workmen handling glass panes, waste glass pieces and fibre glass
shall be provided with suitable hand protection.
3.5 Pipe
3.5.1 Stacking - Pipe shall be stacked on solid, level sills and contained
in a manner to prevent spreading or rolling of the pile. Where quantity
storage is necessary, suitable packing shall be placed between succeeding
layers to reduce the pressure and resulting spreading of the pile.
3.5.2 Site and Length - Orderly storage as to sizes and lengths enhances
access and removal operations.
3.5.3 Removal - Removal of pipe from a pile shall be accomplished by
working from the ends of the pipe.
3.5.4 Trans)orting - In loading pipe or transit, it shall be so secured as
to insure against displacement.
3.5.5 Power Lines - In stacking and handling of pipes and other conduct-
ing materials the following minimum safety distances shall be ensured from
the overhead powerlines:
11 kV,and below 1.40 m
Above 11 and below 33 kV 3.60 ,,
Above 33 and below 132 kV 4.70 ,,
Above 132 and below 275 kV 5.70 ,,
Above 275 and below 400 kV 6.50 ,,
3.6 Piling and Poles
3.6.1 Stacking - Piling and poles shall be carefully stacked on solid,
level sills and shall be so piled and blocked as to prevent rolling or spread-
ing of the pile.
3.6.2 Placing and Removing - When placing piling or poles on the pile,
workmen shall work from the ends of the pole. Like precautions shall be
observed in removal from the pile.
3.6.3 Tag Lines - Tag lines shall be used to control piling and poles
when handling for any purpose.
6
IS : 7969 - 1975
3.6.4 Fire Hazard - The storage area shall be maintained free cf vegeta-
tion and flammable materials.
3.6.5 Power Lines - Precautions as laid down in 3.5.5 shall be followed.
3.7 Reinforcing and Structural Steel
3.7 .l Stacking Reinforcing Steel - Reinforcing steel shall be stored accord-
ing to length, size and shape, and shall be piled in such a manner as to
prevent tipping or falling.
3.7.2 Lagging - Steel shall be stored on a solid foundation, utilizing
lagging as necessary to ensure stable piles.
3.7.3 Safe Access - Adequate spacing shall be maintained between piles
to ensure safe access.
3.7.4 G~OVGS -Workmen handling deformed steel bars, barbed wire,
expan.ded metal and the like shall be required to wear gloves.
3.7.5 Stacking Structural Steel - Structural steel shall be carefully piled to
prevent sliding or tipping.
3.7.6 Power Lines - Precautions as laid down in 3.5.5 shall be followed.
3.7.7 Tag Lines - Tag lines shall be used to control the load in handling
reinforcing or structural steel when a crane is employed.
3.7.8 Manual Handling - Heavy steel sections and bundles shall be lifted
and carried with the help of slings and tackles and shall not be carried on
the shoulders of the workman.
3.8 Sand, Gravel and Crushed Stone
3.8.1 Location of Stockpiles - Stockpiles of these materials shall be so
located as to provide easy access for withdrawing. In stacking these
materials minimum safety distances as mentioned under 3.5.5 shall be
ensured between the material and the overhead power lines.
3.8.2 Overhanging Prohibited - When withdrawals are made from stock-
piles, no overhang shall be permitted.
3.8.3 Superimposed Loading - Materials shall not be piled against. walls
that will be endangered by thrust, nor along the sides of any excavation or
on the top of an embankment so as to cause slips.
3.8.4 Hoppers - Employees required to enter hoppers shall be Gq;iip$
with safety belts and lifelines, attended by another person.
driven hoppers, feeders, an&loaders shall be locked in the off position prior
to entry.
7
Is I 7969 l 1975
3.9 Paints, Varnishes and Thinners
3.9.1 Method of Storage - Paints, varnishes, lacquers, thinners and other
flammable materials shall be kept m a properly sealed or closed containers.
The container shall be kept in a well ventilated location, free from excesaiv~
heat, smoke, sparks or flame.
3.9.2 Limited Storage Areas - Paint materials in quantities other than
required for daily use shall be kept stocked under regular storage place.
3.9.3 Supply of Milk -Each workman handling lead based paints shall
be issued 4 litre milk per day for his personal consumption.
3.9.4 Cleanup - Paint scrapings and paint-saturated rags and debris shall
be removed daily from the premises and, preferably, destroyed by burning
at a safe place.
3.9.5 Ventilation and Lighting - Ventilation adequate to prevent the
accumulation of flammable vapours to hazardous levels of concentration
shall be provided in all areas where painting is done. When electric lights,
switches or electrical equipment are necessary, they shall be of explosion-
proof design.
3.9.6 Fire Protection - Buckets containing sand shall be kept ready
for use in case of fire. Fire extinguishers, when required, shall be of foam
type conforming to IS : 933-1967*.
3.9.7 Spray Painting - No smoke or open flame, exposed heating
elements, or other sources of ignition of any kind shall be permitted in
areas or rooms where spray painting is being done.
3.9.8 Heating - When painting is done in confined spaces where flam-
mable or explosive vapours may develop, any necessary heat shall be
provided through ductwork remote from the source of flame.
3.18 Bitumen, Bituminous Emulsion and Road Tar
3.10.1 Stack Size - No stack shall exceed 100 drums ( 180/200 litres ).
A safety distance of 6 m minimum, shall be kept between stacks.
3.19.2 Drum POSitiOR - Drums shall be kept stacked on their sides so that
water does not collect on them. The bungs, if eccentric, shall be upper
most namely in 12 o’clock position.
3.19.3 Stack Height - Pyramid stacking shall always be used and the
height of the stack shall not exceed 3 tiers.
3.18.4 Handling - To facilitate rolling of drums of the middle and top
tiers, in building up or breaking down the stack, suitable skids shall he
temporarily laid on the tier over which rolling has to be done.
*Specificationfor portablecbe@cal fire extinguisher,foam type (fist rmi&~ ),
8
LS : 7969 - 1975
3.1! Flammable Materials
3.11.1 Regulations- Flammable materials shall be stored in accordance
with the relevant regulations and rules so as to ensure the desired safety
during storage. Explosives like detonators shall be stored in accordance
with the existing regulations of Indian Explosives Act.
3.11.2 Personnel - Operations in connection with handling, storage and
issuance of flammable licluids shall be under the supervision of qualified and
experienced persons.
3.11.2.1 Clothing - Workmen shall be required to guard carefully
against any part of their clothing becoming contaminated with flammable
fluids. They shall not be allowed to continue work when their clothing
becomes so contaminated.
3.11.3 Handling - Petroleum products delivered to the job site and
stored there in drums shall be protected during handling‘to prevent loss of
identification through damage to drum markings, tags, etc. Unidentifiable
petroleum products may rcnult in improper use, with possible fire hazard,
damage to equipment, or operating failure.
3.113.1 Bulk d&very and storage of petroleum products rcquircs the
same cart in identification, and particular attention to fire hazards during
handling.
3.1x.4 Storage - Outdoor storage of drums requires some care to avoid
contaminations. Moisture and dirt in hydraulic brake and transmission
fluid, gasoline, or lubricants may easily cause malfunction or failure of
equipment, with possible danger to personnel. The storage area should be
free of accumulations of spilled products, debris and other hazards.
3.11.4.1 Compressed gases and petroleum products shall not be stored
the same building or close to each other. .
3.11.4.2 Bulk Storage - For bulk storage of petroleum, kerosine oil and
the like, the storage shall comply strictly with the specifications given in the
Petroleum Iiules ( and with the relevant act ) ,
4. UNLOADXNG RAIL ROAD WAGONS AND MOTOR VEHICLES
4.1 Loading and Unloadiog Rail Road Wagons
4.1.1 Appropriate warning signals shall be displayed to indicate that the
wagons must not be coupled or moved. Other equipment may not be
placed on tracks, that would interfere with the view of the signals at any
time, without notifying the workman responsible for placing the signals.
4.12 The wheels of wagons shall always be spragged or chained while
the wagons are being unloaded and their brakes alone shall not be depend-
ed upon ro hold them stationary.
9
IS : 7969 - 1975
4.1.3 Special level bars shall preferably be used for moving rail wagons
rather than ordinary crow bars.
4.1.4 Where gangplanks are used between wagons and platforms of piles
( heaps ), cleats at lower end oFgangplank, or pin through end of gangplanks,
shall be used to prevent shding. If gangplank is on grade, cleats or
abrasive surface shall be provided for entire length.
4.1.5 When rail road wagons are being loaded or unloaded near passage-
ways or walkways, adequate warning signals shall be placed on each end of
the wagon to warn pedestrians.
4.2 Loading and Unloading from Motor Vehicles
4.2.1 The motor vehicles shall be properly blocked while being loaded or
unloaded; brakes alone shall not be dependent upon to hold them.
4.2.2 When motor vehicles are being loaded or unloaded near passage-
ways or walkways, adequate warning signs shall be placed on each end of
the vehicle to warn the pedestrians.
4.3 Handling Heavy/Long Items
4.3.1 Loading and unlpading of heavy items, shall, as far as possible, be
done with cranes or gantries. The workman shall stand clear of the material
being moved by mechanical equipment. The slings and the ropes used
shall be of adequate load carrying capacity, so as not to give way and
result in accidents.
4.3.2 While heavy and long components are being manually loaded into
motor vehicle, wagons, trailer, etc, either wooden sleepers or steel rails of
sufficient length shall be put in a gentle slope against the body of the
wagon/vehicle at 3 or 4 places for loading. These long items shall be
dragged, one by one, gently and uniformly along these supports by means
of ropes, being pulled by men with feet properly anchored against firm
surface. As soon as the items come on the floor of the vehicle, the same
may be shifted by crow bars and other suitable leverage mechanism, but
not by hands to avoid causing accident to the workmen.
4.3.3 Similar procedure as outlined under 4.3.2 above shall be followed
for manual unloading of long heavy items.
5. DISPOSAL OF WASTE MATERIAL
5.1 Scrap Lumber and Waste- Scrap lumber, waste materials, and
similar debris shall be collected and stored in piles or containers daily for
removal and disposal.
5.2 Pollution COntrOl - All applicable regulations relating to the pollu-
tion of streams, reservoirs, lakes, ground water or water courses shall be
fully complied with. The manner of disposing of waste materials shall be
subject to the approval of the engineer-in-charge/depot-in-charge.
10
IS : 7969 - 1975
6. FIRE EXTINGUISHING EQUIPMENT
6.1 Appropriate and adequate fire extinguishing equipment shall be
provided at all storage locations (see IS : 2190-1971’ ).
6.2 Bulk Storage Depots - Where flammable and combustible materials
are stored in bulk, for considerable period an automatic fire alarm of
suitable design shall preferably be installed.
6.3 Workers handling excavated earth from foundation, particularly if the
site happens to be reclaimed area or marshy area, shall be protected against
infection effecting their exposed portions of the bodies.
7. HOUSE KEEPING
7.1 Safe Access - Stairways, walkways, scaffolds, and accessways shall be
kept free of materials, debris and obstructions.
7.2 Scaffcilds and Walkways - The engineer-in-charge/the foreman
shall initiate and carry out a programme requiring routine removal of
scrap and debris fromscaffolds and walkways.
7.3 General - Efficient and orderly storage of materials coupled with
routine house keeping are most important factors in safety and fire preven-
tion. It is essential that good house keeping be maintained throughout
all storage areas.
*Code of practice for selection, in&Men and maiatetlanct ori& aid tire applianw
(J&Wi&l).
AMENDMENT HO. 1 FEBRUARY1983
TO
IS:J969-1975 SAFETY CODE FOR HANDLING .AND STORAGE
OF BUILDINGMATERIALS
Alteration
-----
(Page 8, chse 3.20.2) - Substitute the following
for the existing clause:
'3.10.2 Dzwn Position - The drums or containers of
all type bitumen/bitumen emulsion and road tar shall
be stacked vertically on their bottom in up to three
tiers, Damaged drums shall be segregated and
stacked separately in such a way as to avoid leakage.
&pty drums shall be stored in pyramidal stacks
neatly.'
(CED 45)
Reprography Unit, BIS, New Delhi, India
