Handling large-size porcelain stoneware slabs

March 15, 2021

La movimentazione delle lastre in gres porcellanato di grande formato

What are large-size slabs?

Large size refers to square or rectangular slabs where one or both of the dimensions is greater than 60 cm.

Kontinua is the name of Casalgrande Padana’s large and thin porcelain stoneware slabs, the latest product in a constantly evolving range designed to expand the possible uses and broad scope of the brand's products. Beginning with a selection of products from the Cemento, Marmoker, Marmostart, Onici, Pietre di Paragone and Pietre di Sardegna collections, Kontinua is extending the range with the 160x320 cm, 120x260 cm, 120x240 cm, 120x120 cm and 60x120 cm, 90x18 cm and 90x270 cm sizes, which can be integrated with the traditional-thickness products to help meet the new demands of contemporary design.

Handling the packs

60x60, 60x120, 59x118, 120x120, 118x118, 37.5x75.5, 75.5x75.5, 75.5x151, 45x90, 90x90, 88x88, 90x180, 88x176 cm sizes shipped on pallets with side collars/ protective cages. Store in stacks up to a maximum of 3 or 4 pallets, depending on format. Slabs in 120x240, 118x236, 120x260, 118x258, 160x320 cm size are packed in wooden crates. The 160x320 size can be supplied on A-frame pallets, on request.

Before moving the packs, make sure that the forklift has forks long enough to handle the size of the pack. It is also essential that the forklift be rated to lift and move the packs safely, whether crates or A-frame pallets. Using maximum fork width when moving It will be a better pack stability.

Use all necessary personal protective equipment when moving the individual slabs.

¹ The metal washers used for stacking crates are sharp and can cause injury on impact! Do not touch them.

² When stacking crates, ensure the washers on the crate below are completely central.

Open the forks to their maximum extension and pick up the packs (e.g. crates, pallets) in the very centre.

Use lift trucks with the correct capacity and a fork length that matches the dimensions of the packs.

Move only along level pathways.

Move the packs with care, maintaining a slow speed for the entire journey.

Never move more than one pack at a time.

Ensure the crates are perfectly aligned when stacking, otherwise they could be unstable.

When storing the crates, do not stack more than five in a single pile.

Never stack A-frame pallets.

Never stack A-frame pallets

Remove boxes from the pack, handling them with care. Be careful of the edges to avoid chips and breakage. Number of personnel recommended for handling:

- 60x60, 37.5x75.5, 45x90 cm one worker

- 60x120, 59x118, 75.5x75.5 e 75.5x151 cm two workers

- 90x180, 88x176, 120x120, 118x118, 120x240, 118x236, 120x260, 118x258 cm preferably four workers (at least two) using suitable vacuum lifting frames

- 160x320 cm six workers using vacuum lifting frames.

Use controlled vacuum lifting frames.

The vacuum lifting frame can be attached to a stable support so it can be moved in a vertical position and adhesive can be applied (movable vertical frames).

Single slabs of 90x180, 88x176, 120x120, 118x118, 120x240, 118x236, 120x260 and 118x258 cm must be moved using vacuum lifting frames, by not less than 2 operators (4 operators are better), positioned at each end of the slab.

Handling large slabs (up to 120x260)

Position the slab in a stable manner on supports, allowing movement into vertical position and subsequent application of adhesive (movable vertical racks). Use of suction cup devices with pressure gauge is recommended for continuous monitoring of suction grip. Avoid sudden oscillations and vibration of the material when transporting the slab.

Always lift the slabs from the case using suitable vacuum lifting frames.

When moving individual slabs, use controlled vacuum lifting frames where possible. Check that the number and rating of the vacuum devices is suited to the weight of the slab being moved.

Handling 160x320 slabs

Recommended for moving 160x320 cm slabs: mobile vacuum lifting frames with pneumatic rotation; lifting clamps; - lifting slings with soft straps (avoid steel cables or chains); these can also be used for moving more than one slab at a time Whatever the system, the weight to be lifted must be properly balanced around the lifting point. All operations must be carried out by trained personnel, using equipment rated for the weight. When using clamps or vacuum lifters, be certain to clean dust or any other material from the surfaces beforehand to ensure a good grip. If single slabs need to be moved by hand (not recommended), suitably rated vacuum lifting frames must be used, carried by at least 6 operators.

Take maximum care when moving single 160x320 slabs packed on A-frame pallets, especially after removing the protective strapping. The slabs should be moved only by trained and authorised personnel, wearing suitable personal protections and using appropriate lifting devices. Be certain to balance the weight between the two sides of the A-frame as the slabs are being removed. Move the slabs slowly, avoiding any sudden swinging or vibration as far as possible.

Handling

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