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IS 7969 : 1975Safety code for handling and storage of building materials

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29 CFR 1926 Subpart H · Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 · Construction Work - Code of Practice
CurrentFrequently UsedSafety CodeBIMFire Safety · Construction Management incl. Safety
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OverviewValues5InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 7969:1975 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for safety code for handling and storage of building materials. This code outlines the safety requirements for handling and storing various building materials on construction sites. It covers procedures for common materials like cement, steel, and bricks, as well as hazardous materials like flammable liquids, to prevent accidents, material degradation, and fire hazards.

Safety code for handling and storage of building materials

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Fire Safety — Construction Management incl. Safety
Type
Safety Code
International equivalents
29 CFR 1926 Subpart H · Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), USAConstruction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 · Health and Safety Executive (HSE), UKConstruction Work - Code of Practice · Safe Work Australia, AustraliaCSA S269.3-16 · Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group), Canada
Typically used with
IS 818
Also on InfraLens for IS 7969
5Key values4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Always use the 'First-In, First-Out' (FIFO) method for perishable materials like cement to avoid using old stock.
! Ensure material stacks are placed on level, firm ground and are regularly inspected for stability, especially after rain or high winds.
! Place storage areas away from main site traffic routes to minimize risk of collision and obstruction.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3General RequirementsCl. 4Stacking and Storage of MaterialsCl. 6Storage of Steel ReinforcementCl. 7Handling and Storage of Flammable Liquids
Pulled from IS 7969:1975. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
cementsteelbricksaggregatestimberflammable materials

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
29 CFR 1926 Subpart HOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), USA
HighCurrent
Materials Handling, Storage, Use, and Disposal
Directly addresses safety requirements for material handling and storage on construction sites.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015Health and Safety Executive (HSE), UK
MediumCurrent
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM)
A broader regulatory framework that includes duties for safe material storage and handling as part of overall site risk management.
Construction Work - Code of PracticeSafe Work Australia, Australia
HighCurrent
Model Code of Practice: Construction Work
A modern code of practice with a dedicated section on the safe storage of materials and plant on construction sites.
CSA S269.3-16Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group), Canada
LowCurrent
Concrete construction safety
Focuses specifically on concrete construction safety, including material handling for formwork and reinforcing steel, but lacks broad scope.
Key Differences
≠The IS code from 1975 is highly prescriptive (e.g., 'stack height shall not exceed 10 bags'), whereas modern international standards like the UK's CDM and Australia's Code of Practice are primarily risk-based, requiring a 'competent person' to assess site-specific conditions and determine safe procedures.
≠IS 7969 is a standalone document. International equivalents, particularly OSHA and CDM, integrate material handling safety into a comprehensive construction site safety management system that includes planning, worker training, and specific equipment regulations.
≠Modern international standards provide more detailed guidance on mechanical handling equipment (e.g., telescopic handlers, cranes) and structured risk assessment for manual handling (e.g., UK's MHOR), topics which are only covered in a very general manner in the 1975 Indian standard.
≠IS 7969 provides specific but outdated quantitative limits (e.g., lumber stack height of 1.2m for manual handling), while US OSHA regulations, though also prescriptive, often allow for much greater heights (e.g., 16 feet) based on different assumptions and practices.
Key Similarities
≈All standards mandate the fundamental principle of storing materials on firm, level, and well-drained ground to ensure stack stability and prevent collapse.
≈There is a universal requirement across all standards to maintain good housekeeping, ensuring that stored materials do not obstruct accessways, passageways, emergency exits, and fire-fighting equipment.
≈All standards provide material-specific guidance, emphasizing common-sense principles like keeping cement dry, stacking timber with spacers (dunnage) for stability and air circulation, and storing rebar safely to prevent trips and impalement.
≈The principle of stacking materials in a stable manner, often by interlocking, blocking, or stepping back tiers, is a common theme in the IS code and its international counterparts to prevent sliding or toppling.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Brick Stack Height (Loose)Shall not be stacked more than 10 bricks in height.Shall not be more than 7 feet high. When a loose brick stack reaches 4 feet, it shall be tapered back 2 inches for every foot of height above the 4-foot level.OSHA 29 CFR 1926.250(b)(6)
Cement Bag Stack HeightStack height shall not exceed 10 bags to prevent the possibility of lumping up under pressure.Maximum of 12 bags on a pallet for stability; risk assessment is key for larger stacks. (No strict regulatory limit, industry best practice).The Concrete Society (UK) Digest 10 / General industry practice
Lumber Stack Height (Manual Handling)The height of the stack should not exceed 1.2 m.Lumber to be handled manually shall not be stacked more than 16 feet (approx. 4.8 m) high.OSHA 29 CFR 1926.250(b)(8)(iv)
Storage near ExcavationsNo materials shall be stored near the edge of an excavation.Materials shall not be placed within 2 feet (0.61 m) of the edge of any excavation which is 5 feet or more in depth.OSHA 29 CFR 1926.651(j)(2)
Reinforcing Steel StorageStacked in such a way as to prevent it from rolling over... Bar ends should not project into passageways.Should be stored in racks or on the ground in a manner that prevents uncontrolled movement. Ends of bars should be protected to prevent injury.Safe Work Australia 'Construction Work - Code of Practice'
Structural Steel StorageShall be so stacked as to prevent tipping and rolling.Structural steel, poles, pipe...shall be stacked and blocked so as to prevent spreading or tilting.OSHA 29 CFR 1926.250(b)(9)
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values5

Quick Reference Values
Maximum height of cement bag stack10 bags
Minimum clear space around stacks60 cm
Maximum height of loose brick stack10 layers
Minimum distance for flammable liquid storage from buildings15 m
Maximum height of timber stack4.5 m

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - General Requirements
Clause 4 - Stacking and Storage of Materials
Clause 6 - Storage of Steel Reinforcement
Clause 7 - Handling and Storage of Flammable Liquids

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 818:2019Code of Practice for Safety and Health Requir...
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the maximum height for stacking cement bags?+
The stack height should not exceed 10 bags to prevent lumping under pressure and ensure stability (Clause 4.2.2).
What clearance is required around material stacks?+
A clear space of at least 60 cm shall be maintained around stacks to allow for easy access, inspection, and handling (Clause 3.1.2).
How should structural steel be stored?+
Steel members should be stored off the ground on platforms, skids, or other supports to prevent distortion and contact with dirt or moisture (Clause 6.1).
What are the rules for storing flammable liquids?+
They must be stored in a dedicated, well-ventilated area at least 15m from other buildings, with clear 'No Smoking' and 'Flammable Liquid' signage (Clause 7).

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