Best Practices for Proper Handling and Maintenance of Aluminum Trusses

Best Practices for Proper Handling and Maintenance of Aluminum Trusses

Introduction:

Aluminum trusses are essential structural components in various industries, including events, construction, and entertainment. Ensuring their longevity and safety requires proper handling and maintenance. In this article, we'll outline the best practices for handling and caring for aluminum trusses to maximize their lifespan and efficiency.

Avoid Abrasive and Impact Damage:

One of the fundamental principles in aluminum truss care is to prevent unnecessary abrasive or impact damage. This includes avoiding actions like dragging or dropping trusses whenever possible. Even minor damage can compromise the integrity of the truss, potentially leading to safety issues.

Use Sufficient Manpower:

When moving trusses manually, always use an adequate number of people to ensure proper handling. Strain or mishandling can lead to accidents and damage to the truss members. Additionally, the use of dollies can help prevent dragging and dropping during manual transport.

Forklift Handling:

When using a forklift to move aluminum trusses, exercise caution. Ensure that the forklift operator is well-trained and certified in forklift operation. The steel forks of a forklift can easily damage the aluminum members if not used correctly. Whenever possible, position the forks under the truss to avoid harming the diagonals and internal components.

Secure Packaging:

When shipping or transporting trusses, take precautions to properly package and secure them. This prevents rubbing or bouncing that could result in serious damage. Proper packaging is especially crucial when trusses are transported alongside other items.

Secure Connections:

Before lifting or loading a truss, always ensure that the connections are secure. Tighten steel bolts with a socket wrench, but be mindful not to overtighten, as this may damage the aluminum plates on the truss. Fork and clevis pins should be securely fastened with hard clips before use.

Consistent Diagonal Patterns:

When connecting multiple truss pieces together, it's essential to maintain a continuous diagonal pattern throughout the span. This ensures that the trusses act as a single unit and maintains their structural integrity.

Proper Rigging:

When rigging a truss, make sure the rigging point is located at a panel point. This applies to rigging for support structures above and for hanging equipment such as lighting, sound, or video applications. Rigging may be applied to either the top or bottom of the truss, as long as it's at a panel point.

Avoid Seat Clamps:

Avoid the use of seat clamps on aluminum trusses. The steel bolts in seat clamps can easily damage the aluminum cords of the truss. Damaged truss cords are challenging to repair and can compromise safety, often voiding the manufacturer's warranty.

Conclusion:

With proper handling and maintenance, aluminum trusses can have a long and trouble-free lifespan. Following these best practices ensures that your trusses remain safe, structurally sound, and free from damage. Remember that a little extra care in handling can go a long way in preserving the integrity of your aluminum trusses.