l l l l l such as stacking height, floor capacity, structural clearance, and other obstacles. EQUIPMENT CAPABILITIES. Use of potential warehouse storage height may be restricted by the equipment’s inability to reach the full vertical space. MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS. The maximum stacking height depends upon the material or its packaging. The material characteristics could cause the stacking height to vary. TOTAL WAREHOUSE STORAGE SPACE. The gross storage space within a warehouse includes the support spaces, aisles, structural loss, and net storage space. OCCUPANCY OF NET STORAGE SPACE. Occupying the maximum net storage spare can be hindered by ceiling heights, material characteristics, and “elbow room.” Sufficient “elbow room” should be available to minimize relocation to make space for new receipts. Fifteen percent of net available space is considered an adequate allowance for “elbow room” for general supplies. AISLES. The layout plan must include the aisles to prevent placement-of material in inaccessible areas and loss of space. MATERIAL FACTORS Items with similar handling requirements should be stored together when practicable. This will facilitate storing, caring, and moving of material. The fastest moving items should be stored in areas easily accessible to MHE and issue personnel. Loose and unpacked items issue areas should be adjacent to packing and processing areas. Slow moving items should be stored farther from active or processing areas. DIMENSIONS The critical factors in developing the layout for storage operations include the relationship between the equipment and warehouse dimensions. Although there are various types and styles of forklift trucks, shelvings, bins, and racks, few conform to predetermined standards. Different makes and styles of forklift trucks require different aisle widths and turning radii. Racks and shelves have different internal dimensions such as column and rail thickness. OPERATION Several factors should be considered in planning the layout to support efficient operations. These include handling classification, special handling requirements, pallet rack operations, and small items. Handling Classifications There are three basic handling classes of storage in the Navy system. They include the following: l l l High cubes and large lots. A limited storage space is needed for bulk or high cube items or large quantity of palletized items. Palletized packaged material. These are items of various sires, shapes, and configurations that are stored on pallets. These items include instruments, system components, parts, power tools, and so forth. Shelf or bin material. These are small items that can be stored in bins or shelves. Separation of Elements Storage spaces used for stowing materials that require special handling need careful planning of storage layout. These are materials that require environmental control, air conditioning, or security and are stored separately from general commodities. Hazardous items should be stored or handled to prevent hazard to personnel and facility. Strict segregation of incompatible materials is mandatory. Incompatible hazardous items, when accidently mixed, could cause fires, explosions, or give off toxic gases. Sensitive items require a high degree of protection and control. Shelf-life items are handled on a first-in, first-out basis. Pallet Rack Operations This is the simplest way of handling material. There is no difference in handling a pallet load of batteries or a pallet load of electronic circuit cards. The MHE interfaces with the pallet, and the material on the pallet does not influence the way the material is handled. Small Items Small items are materials that can be stored in bins or shelves. In planning the layout, consideration should be given to the shelvings, bins, and MHE. Always consider the number and height of the required 2-3