Handling and storage guidelines for toilet partitions to prevent warping

If your ordered restroom panels are shipped to your commercial building, but you would like to postpone the installation for a few days, it’s crucial to store the partitions correctly. Toilet partitions are built to last long, but this can only happen if they are treated correctly before installation. Warping of the toilet stall panel doesn’t happen overnight. It is actually the result of small mistakes during transportation, handling, or storage. Today, we will discuss the proper handling and storage methods of toilet partitions before you start the installation process. Proper care in the early stage can protect your investment in the toilet stalls and keep the project running on schedule.

Inspection:

The first step is to inspect the toilet partitions immediately upon delivery for damage like warping or scratches. Identify and document any missing pieces or damages so that the supplier can replace them at no extra cost. Do this observation before the delivery driver leaves or within a specific claim window. If you find any damaged items, you should not accept the shipment. For concealed damage, you must call the customer support within 24 hours of the material’s receipt.

Accepting damaged goods without writing down the damage on the shipping receipt is a mistake. If you don’t make a note of the problem right away, the company that shipped the items can claim that the damage happened after they delivered them, making it much harder to get a replacement. It is always best practice to call the customer service number when you have doubts and want to expedite the return processing. The return policy may not be effective if you order a single part without ordering a whole toilet stall. Contacting the customer service representative can help you get a return authorization. Unauthorized returns can be denied or can be subjected to a restocking fee of 50% For proper inspection, check the materials you have received against the packing list. If you find any missing hardware items, take photos of the hardware kits to use as proof of the missing items. Also, perform a visual inspection of the entire unit for cracks or other physical damage. Ensure all functional components, like locks and handles, are present as well as secure.

Handling guidelines:

Avoid dragging partition panels one over another. Handle the partition panels and components with a gentle touch to avoid scratches, dents, and other surface imperfections.

Use tools for safe handling:

Wear gloves to avoid fingerprints on finishes. For larger panels, use lifting straps or suction cups if available. According to OSHA in 1999, approximately 420,000 workplace accidents resulted in back injuries. Therefore, when handling, workers should use the right tools, wear personal safety equipment, and use the right lifting techniques.

During unloading:

Always unload manually by hand or using lifting straps. Avoid dragging the panels off the track. For larger panels, you can take the help of two workers to carry the panels vertically to avoid bending. For heavy material like steel or for panels over 36 inches wide, use at least two people for lifting the panels. Lift the panels from the bottom edges, and not from the sides, to avoid bending.

On the move: To move the toilet partition board safely, you can use padded carts or dollies. To avoid scratches, you can cover the sharp edges with foam and tape. Avoid dragging panels from the rough surfaces because this can scratch finishes. We once saw a crew drag phenolic panels across concrete because they were in a rush. But by the time they got the panels standing up, the edges got chipped. This mistake cost them two new panels and delayed the project a week.

Protection:

Keep the protective masking intact for safer handling and transportation to prevent unwanted damage. Keep the protective wrapping on until right before the installation. It will work as a shield against accidental scratches or dust. Avoid dropping or bumping panels, especially plastic or phenolic ones, which can crack.

Apply the manufacturer’s guidelines:

Always follow the specific handling methods and instructions recommended by the manufacturer. Because non-compliance with the manufacturer’s guidelines can void the product warranty and leave you with the product cost if any issue arises. Besides, following their instructions also helps you to ensure the products meet quality benchmarks as well as safety.

Storage best practices:

Stack flat: To avoid warping, always store panels flat on a level surface. If you stack them upright or on edges, it can deform or bow the material board under its own weight. You should be very careful regarding this if you have ordered HPL or phenolic panels. You can prevent the excessive pressure by limiting the stacking height to 4-6 panels. You may also use spacers or pallets between stacks to ensure even weight distribution and airflow. To avoid the loss or entanglement, keep the hardware and accessories, such as pilasters, hinges, and fasteners, in labeled boxes separately.

Environmental conditions:

You can keep the partitions in a dry or temperature-controlled area which can range from 50-80°F or 10-27°C. Keep the partition boards away from humidity, extreme heat, or direct sunlight. Do not store in unventilated spaces or outdoors. In that case moisture can lead to delamination in laminate or plastic panels or rust in metal partitions. For long-term storage over one month, keep the stacks slightly elevated off the ground on pallets. This technique will prevent ground moisture absorption. For long-time storage, inspect for signs of damage periodically.