Chapter B6 – Organizes Materials

The NOA for Carpenter (2013) identifies the required competencies (skills) for the task of organizing materials. These are:

Arrange delivered materials to maximize efficiency and productivity

Protect materials to ensure product integrity

Store and handle the different types of hazardous materials according to jurisdictional regulations

Place materials to avoid excessive point loading on roofs and floors (NOA, p. 27).

Building materials must be handled and stored properly prior to installation to prevent damage and deterioration. Depending on type of material certain precautions should be taken. Wood products will change shape based on how they are stacked and protected. Lumber stored in direct contact with concrete will absorb moisture. Dimensional lumber should be stacked and banded to prevent twisting and warping. Panel products should be stored flat on dunnage or in racks. When transporting materials be sure to protect the veneers, corners and edges. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet for handling and storage of any chemical products such as adhesives.

On larger jobs, location and storage of material may require laydown and storage areas that change throughout the construction process. Well organized storage locations will assist in job sequencing and speed up construction time.

For additional information, please review Brightspace Instruction Sheets:

MATE 101/126 LO4 (Page 46-59):

IS 1.1 Storing Wood Products

IS 2.1 Storing Perishable Goods

IS 3.1 Handling Materials

PROJ 402 L02 LS2 (Page 131-132):

IS 3.2 Organize Materials

Review Questions

Lumber should be stored on supports above the ground to protect it from _____.

The finish face of sheet goods should be _____ during storage

List the five main harmful factors associated with the storage of materials.

True or False:

Harmful condensation can occur even inside water-proof wrappings.

Sunlight is good for lumber products as it tends to dry them thoroughly

Suppliers, contractors, sub-trades, and the client are involved in the planning of material storage.

Material labels and SDSs are only needed when materials are received onsite.

Guards are necessary when storing materials overhead or where there is a risk of falling.