Trussed rafters can be safely stored vertically or horizontally at ground level or on any other properly designed temporary storage platform at or above ground level.
- Storing on scaffolding – Scaffold designers should be made aware if trussed rafters are to be stored on scaffolding so they can consider additional loading in the design. Scaffold platforms can be extended to allow for safe storage and buttressing can be used to keep trusses stable.
- Temporary support – Whichever method and location is chosen, temporary support should be set out to ensure that units do not make direct contact with the ground or any vegetation and arranged in a way to prevent any distortion.
- Storing vertically – Bearers should be positioned at the locations where support has been assumed to be provided in the design, with stacking carried out against a firm and safe support or by using suitable props.
- Storing horizontally – Level bearers should be positioned beneath each truss node (minimum) to prevent any deformation and distortion. No other method of storing trussed rafters is suitable, except where specific provision has been made in the design for an alternative temporary support load case.
- Removing bindings – Extreme care should be taken when removing bindings from a bundle of trusses. To avoid destabilisation of the bundle, prior to the removal of the bands ensure timber battens are fixed across the bundle in several locations with a part driven nail in every truss. This will allow the safe removal of single trusses once the bands are removed.
- Alternative details – In unique cases relating to this procedure and which involve the unbundling of the trusses while on the back of the lorry, this should be communicated by the contractor to the truss manufacturer before their delivery to site.
- Storage – Delivery of trussed rafters should, where possible, be organised to minimise site storage time. Where longer periods of storage are anticipated the trusses should be protected with covers fixed to allow proper ventilation around the trusses.
