BULK STORAGE

The term bulk storage refers to the storage of palletized or packaged item in large quantity of loads per item. You will find this operation in areas dealing with storage of dry goods, paper, or sonobuoys. The operations in these areas usually require the use of material handling equipment (MHE).

In the aviation community, most Aviation Storekeepers work with retail store procedures in the Aviation Support Division/Supply Support Center (ASD/SSC). the AKs use the term bulk storage to describe the location of any items that require material handling equipment (MHE) during storage or issue. These items include heavy, bulky, or irregular-shaped material in crates or pallets.

The following text describes the bulk storage procedures for storing items in large quantities.

Factors That Affect Bulk Storage

Some of the factors that you should consider in the layout are described in the following text. . Item stackability l Honeycombing l Inventory profile l Quantity of storage

You should observe the principle of storage by quantity when developing the stack layout plan. If the stack layout is not planned before storing material, it will result in wasted storage space or inaccessible stock. Storing material by sequence (figure 2-7, view A) can cause honeycombing and storing different material by slot (figure 2-7, view B) may generate locked stock. Figure 2-7, view C, illustrates the maximum use of storage space by applying the space approach, appropriate pallet racks, and a location system.

The objective in floor stacking is to maximize access while minimizing aisle loss. The inventory profile tells the number of items and the number of pallets per item. This will enable you to determine the need for short and deep rows of stock.

Figure 2-6.-Aisles space for filing cabinets. 2-10

Figure 2-7.-Bulk storage: A. By sequence; B. By slot; C. By space. 2-11

Honeycombing is storing or withdrawing of stores that result in a vacant space that is not usable for storing other items. This lost space can be either horizontal (floor area) or vertical above other stock.

Materials in storage that are stacked too high and too deep can pose a problem for the MHE operator. A forklift operator cannot see beyond four stacks of pallets. The operator can be too closely confined when penetrating more than two vehicle lengths in single-width slot (one pallet wide.)

Equipment Considerations

The particular MHE to be used requires different aisle patterns and overhead clearance in building structures.

In planning the storage building, the column spacing is usually coordinated with the MHE. The aisles should be wide enough to accommodate the safe operation of the MHE.

It is also essential that the overhead and obstruction clearance above the maximum lifting height of the the MHE. To fully use the lifting capability of the MHE, the building must have an adequate overhead clearance above the maximum lifting height of the MHE.

SHORE HAZARDOUS MATERIAL STOWAGE

Shore hazardous material storage areas will be designated following the base fire marshall's recommendations, local regulations, and NAVSUP Publication 573. Chapter 4 of NAVSUP Publication 573 discusses the Department of Defense (DOD) requirements for facilities designed to store hazardous material.

STORAGE LAYOUT AFLOAT

The term stowage is most often used for storage afloat. Stowage of material afloat requires that you know how to determine the stowage layout best suited for the material, that you know the precautions to be taken to safeguard both the stores and the ship, and that you be familiar with the rules governing the accessibility of the stores.

SPACE ALLOCATION AND LAYOUT

Stowage space afloat varies from one ship to another. The physical arrangement of material is dependent upon the internal construction of the storeroom to be used. The location of doors, hatches, nonstructural stanchions, ventilation ducts, and other obstructions should be reviewed to permit the maximum use of the space available for stowage. Requirements for enclosed bins, open racks and shelving, stanchions, gratings and battens, and miscellaneous storeroom accessories must be determined to achieve efficient stowage.

in planning the stowage layout and allocation of available storeroom space, you must consider the categories of stores that are to be stowed separately (for example, commissary, ship's store, ship's repair parts, general stores, and aviation stores) and the volume of storage space that is required for each category.