Light, but handle with care.
UPVC pipes are strong but light: their specific gravity is about one fifth that of iron, so they are much easier to handle than metal pipes. Reasonable care is still needed.
The strength of a joint depends on the condition of the socket and the seal ring, so take special care not to damage pipe ends during handling and storage.
Loading and transport.
When loading vehicles, protect pipes from bars, loose nail heads and sharp corners.
During transport, support and secure pipes along their full length. They must not overhang the rear of the truck unsafely.
Lower, never drop.
Lower pipes during unloading; never drop them to the ground.
Pipes can be rolled down gently on timber skids, taking care that they do not fall onto each other or onto hard or uneven ground.
Stack low, support well.
Always give pipes adequate support. Avoid large piles, especially in warm weather: the lower layers can deform and make jointing and alignment difficult.
Stack pipes with prepared ends (socket and ring joints) in layers, with sockets alternating at each end and projecting beyond the stack, so the weight above does not deform them.
Long-term storage.
For long-term storage, racks must give continuous support; below 160 mm, supports must be closer together. Stack no more than seven layers or 1.8 m (6 ft) high, whichever is less.
When different sizes share a rack, put the largest diameters and the heaviest pressure classes at the bottom.
For temporary storage without racks, the ground must be flat and free of loose stones. Stack no more than three layers and secure the stack against movement.