(1) LOCATION OF CARRIER VEHICLE DURING UNLOADING
(2) LIFTING EQUIPMENT
(3) CONSIDERATION OF OVERHEAD ELECTRICAL WIRES
(4) CHECK SHIPMENT
UNLOADING
HANDLING
STORAGE


Pre-planning of the unloading operation is an important part of the erection procedure. This involves careful and orderly storage of all materials. Detailed planning is required at the job site where storage space is restricted. Here, a planned separation of materials in the order of the erection process is necessary to minimize the costly double handling of materials. While set procedures are not possible in all cases, special attention should be given to the following items.

(1) Location of Carrier Vehicle During Unloading (back to top)

Trucks should be located where the different building parts can be unloaded near their usage points to minimize lifting, travel and rehandling during building assembly.

(2) Lifting Equipment (back to top)

The type and size of lifting equipment is determined by the size of the building and the site conditions. Length of boom, capacity and maneuverability of lifting equipment will determine its location for both unloading and erection.

(3) Consideration of Overhead Electric Wires (back to top)

Overhead power lines are a continuing source of danger. Extreme care must be used in locating and using lifting equipment to avoid contact with power lines.

(4) Check Shipment (back to top)

When shipments are received in the field, two inspections are necessary:

A. When boxes, crates, bundles or other large components are received, and unloaded from the carrier, these items should be checked off against the packing list for accuracy. Contact the factory immediately if any discrepancies are found, Kovach cannot be held liable for shortages or damages if not notified at once.

B. When bundles, crates, cartons, boxes, etc. are opened during the erection of the building, another check must be performed to determine the quantity received and their condition.

If during inspection of A. damages to or shortages of items are found, a report should be filed with the carrier immediately at the site. When damages are evident from the exterior of containers, they should be opened immediately and inspected thoroughly at the time of receiving shipments. Panel bundles should be opened and inspected for water damage. If during the inspection B. damages to or shortages of items are found upon opening the crates or cartons, then a written claim should be sent to the carrier within five (5) working days of discovering the damage or shortage. If a shortage is discovered within a container, a written notice must be mailed to Kovach Inc., the same time the claim is sent to the carrier.

Unless these two important inspections are made and any reports or claims are filed immediately, claims become very difficult to settle as time lapses, and usually the builder suffers the loss.

When filing claims either to the carrier or to Kovach Inc., the claim should indicate the item in question, the bundle or container shipped with (if any), the actual quantity received, the quantity which should have been received, or that which was damaged. This is important for quickly retrieving all the necessary information. Also, other information such as numbers, names and addresses of cosignees and cosignors should be indicated on the claims, as well as invoice numbers.

The procedures are primarily for your protection. A shortage discovered later, while real, can be caused by theft, misplacement, or other causes, and neither the carrier or Kovach Inc., can accept responsibility.

Unloading (back to top)

Improper unloading and handling of bundles may cause bodily injury or material damage. The manufacturer is not responsible for any bodily injuries or material damages that may occur during unloading and handling.

Handling (back to top)

Panel bundles less than 25 feet long may be unloaded with forklift. The forklift should have at least five feet between forks, and panels should be picked up at their center of gravity. Extreme caution should be taken when moving panels with forklift. Panel bundles longer than 25 feet in length must be lifted by crane with spreader bar.

Storage (back to top)

Panel crates are not designed to support the weight of the panels. Do not use wire rope slings.

Panels are shipped in bundles - 24 panels per bundle.

Check to see that moisture has not formed inside the bundles during shipment. Unband the bundles, if moisture is present, panels should be unpacked and wiped dry. Then restack and loosely cover so that air can circulate between the panels. Elevate one end of bundle after restacking to allow a slope for water drainage.