BS7611 is primarily concerned with ensuring that potato storage boxes are strong enough to withstand the loads and forces of handling and stacking.
The standard was introduced in 1992 at the request of the Potato Marketing Board and the Health and Safety Executive. HK was one of the few manufacturers involved in the standard's formation.
Three strength classes are covered:
Class 8 For stacking up to 8 high when filled. Suitable for constant use in mechanical handling operations.
Class 6 For stacking up to 6 high when filled. Not suitable for frequent use in mechanical handling operations which involve tipping full boxes unless clamped to limit racking movement.
Class 4 For stacking up to 4 high when filled. Not suitable for frequent use in mechanical handling operations which involve tipping full boxes unless clamped to eliminate racking movement.
Six different plan sizes are detailed by the standard. To determine the strength class of a box, testing measures the amount of movement under pressure, and the results compared to the horizontal deflection allowed for each class to establish the strength class of the box.
The standard only applies to new boxes which must be permanently marked with the plan size code, year of manufacture, maximum safe stacking height and BS7611:1992. |
