Mueller Snap Lock (MSL) - Manual (Page 13)

13
CARE AND HANDLING OF MUELLER SHEET METAL
Delivery:
Mueller takes every precaution to ensure that material is delivered to the customer damage-free and fully
protected from the elements during shipment. When the material is delivered to the customer it then becomes the
customer’s responsibility to protect the material from the elements, possible theft, and other damage. The following
guidelines are recommended:
HANDLING: Proper care is required in unloading and handling panel bundles in order to prevent damage.
1. Bundles should remain banded (if possible) during the unloading process. Bundles should never be lifted by the
banding material.
2. Lift each bundle as close as possible to its center of gravity.
3. If the bundles are to be lifted with a crane, use a spreader bar of appropriate length and nylon band slings (do
not use wire rope slings as they will damage the material).
4. Depending on the panel length, some bundles may be lifted by a forklift. When using a forklift, the forks should
be spread to their maximum spacing, and the load centered on the forks.
Sheets over 25’ long require two forklifts.
5. After panel bundles are opened, individual sheets must be handled carefully to prevent panel buckling or damage
to the panel coating. When removing a sheet from a bundle it should be rolled off the bundle to prevent
scratching of the next sheet. Never drag or slide one sheet over another. Sheets should not be picked up by the
ends. Instead, lift the sheet along its longitudinal edge and carry in a vertical position. For sheets over 10’ long,
two or more people may be required to carry the sheet.
Wall and Roof Panels
Mueller’s wall and roof panels, including color coated, galvalume and galvanized, provide excellent service under
widely varied conditions. All unloading and erection personnel should fully understand that these panels are quality
merchandise which merit cautious care in handling.
Under no circumstances should panels be handled roughly. Packages of sheets should be lifted off the truck with
extreme care taken to ensure that no damage occurs to ends of the sheets or to side ribs. The packages should be
stored off the ground sufficiently high to allow air circulation underneath the packages. This avoids ground moisture
and deters people from walking on the packages. One end of the package should always be elevated to encourage
drainage in case of rain.
All stacked metal panels are subject, to some degree, to localized discoloration or stain when water is trapped
between their closely nested surfaces. Mueller, Inc. exercises extreme caution during fabrication and shipping
operations to ensure that all panel stock is kept dry. However, due to climatic conditions, water formed by
condensation of humid air can become trapped between stacked sheets. Water can also be trapped between the
stacked sheets when exposed to rain causing discoloration, often called “wet storage stain.” The stain is usually
superficial and has little effect on the appearance or service life of the panels as long as it is not permitted to remain
on the panels. However, moisture in contact with the surface of the panels over an extended period can severely
attack the finish and reduce the effective service life. Therefore, it is imperative that all panels be inspected for
moisture upon receipt of the order. If moisture is present, dry the panels at once and store in a dry, warm place.