Material storage

A well-organized material storage area is the backbone of efficient projects in concrete demolition, building gutting, rock excavation and tunnel construction, as well as natural stone extraction. It consolidates tools, attachments, hydraulic components, operating supplies and processed/recovered materials in one place. For working with concrete demolition shears, hydraulic splitters, rock wedge splitters, combination shears, Multi Cutters, steel shears, cutting torches and hydraulic power packs, a material storage setup enables short travel distances, high occupational safety and predictable availability—without marketing promises but with a clear practical focus.

Definition: What is meant by material storage

Material storage is a spatially defined area for the orderly, safe and documented storage of operating supplies, components, attachments, spare and wear parts, operating fluids, and recovered materials. In the context of demolition and extraction, it includes storing hydraulic attachments (e.g., concrete demolition shears, hydraulic rock and concrete splitters), power sources (hydraulic power packs), connecting elements (hoses, couplings), protective and auxiliary equipment, as well as temporary staging areas for concrete and rock fractions. The goals are availability, safety, traceability and material quality over the entire lifecycle—from kitting to reuse or disposal.

Planning and setup of material storage for demolition equipment

Planning starts with clear zoning by weight, hazard potential, access frequency and cleanliness status. Attachments such as concrete demolition shears, steel shears, combination shears or Multi Cutters require low-level, tip-proof stands with defined cradles. Lighter and sensitive elements (valve blocks, seals, measuring instruments) are stored with low dust and low vibration. Hydraulic power packs receive ventilated, dry, temperature-controlled areas with adequate separation from ignition sources. For rock wedge splitters and hydraulic splitters, shelves with pressure pad protection and edge supports are advisable to protect sealing faces and housings.

Site selection and zoning

The storage location should offer short routes to the workshop, wash bay, loading area and exit. Useful zones include “inbound/delivery,” “clean/dirty,” “service/maintenance,” “kitting/staging,” and “temporary storage of demolition materials.” In projects such as special demolition and special deployments, temporary, mobile storage solutions near the point of use are practical; in tunnel construction, special requirements apply to escape routes, ventilation and fire protection.

Load-bearing capacity, setdown areas and protection

Setdown areas must safely accommodate the point loads of heavy attachments. Anti-slip pads, set-down blocks and safety brackets prevent tipping or rolling. Cutting and clamping jaws of concrete demolition shears, steel shears and cutting torches are covered with protective caps; pressurized components are stored depressurized. Sealing caps protect hydraulic couplings from dust and moisture.

Storage of hydraulic tools and attachments

Hydraulic attachments benefit from defined storage positions so that grabs, jaws and cylinders are preserved and access remains fast. For concrete demolition shears: close the jaws to a light touch to minimize gaps but avoid preloading. For hydraulic splitters and rock wedge splitters, store with relaxed seals, cleaned contact faces and lightly oiled sliding areas. Steel shears, combination shears and Multi Cutters are stored with blades or jaws in a secured position; a visual guard prevents unintended contact. Cutting torches should stand on low-spark, clean surfaces with sufficient distance from combustible materials.

Hydraulic hose lines and couplings

Hoses are stored with a large bend radius, without kinks and UV-protected. Ends are capped, couplings lightly greased. On hydraulic power packs, leakage and pressure lines are decoupled without tension before storage; dripping must be prevented by drip trays.

Store hydraulic power packs correctly

Hydraulic power packs (also referred to as hydraulic power units) are the energy source for concrete demolition shears, hydraulic splitters and other hydraulic attachments. They require a dry, clean environment, secure footing and free air supply. Filter and oil condition are documented; the electrical supply (where present) is de-energized and safeguarded against unintentional switching. Temperatures within the recommended range counteract condensation; seasonal downtimes require brief periodic test runs to prevent corrosion and seal sticking.

Operating supplies

Operating supplies such as hydraulic oils, greases and cleaners are stored away from ignition sources, in suitable containers and with clear labeling. General rules apply to sealing surfaces and containment volume; specific requirements depend on the substance type and local regulations.

Material flow, kitting and transport

Material storage sets the takt and schedule adherence. For concrete demolition and special demolition, kitting into deployment packages is sensible: the attachment, matching hydraulic power pack, hose set, couplings, tools and safety equipment form a unit. For rock excavation and tunnel construction, transport racks with load securing and lifting points are used. Labeled positions and unambiguous identifiers (e.g., by numbering ranges) speed up put-away and retrieval. A defined return process includes cleaning, visual inspection, documentation of wear and refitting of wear parts.

Staging areas and handover

Staging areas at the loading dock shorten handling times. For sensitive sealing faces and blades: protect from impact, moisture and contamination; soft interlayers prevent contact corrosion. When loading, choose lifting gear to suit the geometry, and avoid cross slinging and edge contacts.

Safety and ergonomics in material storage

Safety starts with clear aisles, adequate lighting and slip-resistant floors. Heavy loads are moved exclusively with suitable lifting devices; manual handling beyond ergonomic weight limits should be avoided. Personal protective equipment includes at least safety shoes and protective gloves and, depending on the task, safety glasses and hearing protection. Cutting and pinch points on concrete demolition shears, steel shears, combination shears and Multi Cutters must be marked; park positions are chosen so that no uncontrolled closing is possible.

Fire and explosion protection

Fire loads are minimized and ignition sources controlled. Separate, clean areas apply to cutting torches and other heat-generating tools. Fire extinguishing equipment is accessible, personnel are trained. Handle hydraulic accumulators and hydraulic components with care; residual pressure must be released before work.

Temporary storage of demolition materials and natural stone

In the context of building gutting and cutting, concrete demolition and natural stone extraction, material streams are collected temporarily in storage or on the construction site. Concrete, reinforced concrete, steel and non-metals are separated to enable high-quality recycling. Clean, load-bearing surfaces prevent cross-contamination. In tunnel construction, additional requirements apply to ventilation, dust suppression and drainage. The use of concrete demolition shears and steel shears enables source-separated sorting already during deconstruction, reducing space requirements and rework in storage.

Dust, noise and water

Low-dust handling processes, adapted driving speeds and spot wetting improve the working environment. Leachate is drained in a controlled manner; retention and filtration measures depend on local requirements and the material.

Maintenance, cleaning and corrosion protection

Material storage is also an inspection and service point. After use, concrete demolition shears, hydraulic splitters, rock wedge splitters, combination shears, Multi Cutters, steel shears and cutting torches are cleaned, checked for cracks, play and leak-tightness, and documented. Blades and jaws are inspected, wear dimensions recorded, bolted joints checked. Light corrosion protection (e.g., a thin oil film on bare surfaces) is often sufficient; avoid moist deposits.

Interval and documentation

Regular visual and functional checks follow a defined interval, adapted to usage intensity and manufacturer guidance. Test records are assigned to the device so that history and remaining service life remain traceable.

Labeling and inventory management

Clear labels facilitate rapid assignment: equipment cards with serial number, mass, lifting points, operating pressures and tightening torques belong directly at the parking position. Inventory management with minimum and reorder levels prevents downtime due to missing wear parts or adapters. For rock wedge splitters and splitters, keep sealing and wear kits and suitable tools within reach.

Digital support

Digital systems support availability, maintenance due dates and kitting. Check-in/check-out processes create transparency, especially for parallel projects in special demolition, natural stone extraction and special deployments.

Sustainability in storage operations

Sustainable material storage reduces waste and energy consumption. Durable protective packaging, reusable covers for couplings and jaws, and clearly separated material streams lower costs and environmental impact. The quality of recycled concrete and steel improves when sorting is clean already in storage. Well-maintained hydraulic power packs and tight hose systems prevent leaks.

Legal and organizational notes

For storage areas where hydraulic oils, cleaning agents or combustible substances are held, regulatory requirements and recognized engineering standards may apply. These must always be observed in general; specific requirements depend on the location, quantities and substance classifications. Inspection obligations for lifting equipment, slings and pressure equipment must be fulfilled regularly and traceably. Personnel are instructed, responsibilities set out in writing and kept up to date.