Copper tube leaves the mill clean, straight and capped. Whether it reaches the installer in the same condition depends largely on what happens on site. Dents, kinks, dirt and moisture can turn good material into rejects, and for medical gas work, contamination inside a tube can delay commissioning for days. The good news is that a few simple habits prevent nearly all of these problems. This guide sets out good practice for receiving, storing and handling copper tubes and fittings.
1. Receiving the delivery
- Check against the order. Confirm sizes, wall thickness, standard, quantities and the number of bundles or boxes.
- Check the certificates. Match heat numbers on the material test certificate to the markings on the tubes.
- Inspect for damage. Look for crushed ends, dents, kinks and torn packaging. Photograph any damage before signing the delivery note.
- Check the end caps. Medical gas tubes must arrive with caps or plugs fitted on both ends. Missing caps should be reported and the tubes quarantined until their cleanliness is confirmed.
2. Choosing a storage area
Store copper tubes indoors or under cover, in a dry area protected from rain, dust and construction traffic. Avoid places where cement dust, paint overspray, oils or chemicals are present. If outdoor storage cannot be avoided, keep tubes off the ground on racks or timber bearers and cover them with waterproof sheeting that still allows air to circulate, so condensation does not collect.
3. Racking and support
Straight lengths should be supported along their full length at regular intervals so that they do not sag or bend. Purpose-made pipe racks are ideal. Do not stack heavy steel or other materials on top of copper tubes, and keep different sizes in separate, labelled bays to avoid mix-ups and repeated handling.
Coils of annealed tube should be stored flat or on suitable supports so they keep their shape. Uncoiling should be done carefully by rolling the coil along a flat surface, not by pulling the end, which can twist and kink the tube.
4. Keep medical gas material separate
On projects that include both plumbing and medical gas work, keep medical grade copper tubes and their fittings in a clearly marked, separate area. Medical grade tube has been cleaned and degreased for oxygen service, and mixing it with ordinary plumbing stock creates a real risk of the wrong material being installed. Some contractors use a locked store or cage for medical gas materials.
5. Handling
- Lift tubes rather than dragging them across the ground.
- Carry long lengths with two people or suitable lifting equipment so they do not bend.
- Use clean gloves when handling medical gas tubes and fittings, and never handle oxygen-service components with oily hands.
- Do not use tubes as levers, supports or makeshift tools.
6. Keep the caps on until installation
The end caps are the main barrier against dust, insects and moisture. Remove them only immediately before a tube is cut or joined, and refit caps to any offcut that will be used later. At the end of each working day, cap all open ends of partly installed pipework.
7. Fittings
Store copper fittings in their original boxes or bags, sorted by type and size. For medical gas work, fittings should remain sealed in their packaging until needed. Loose fittings left in open trays quickly collect dust and debris.
8. Offcuts and scrap
Copper has a high scrap value. Collect offcuts in labelled containers rather than leaving them around the site, where they become a trip hazard and are easily lost. Offcuts from medical gas tube should only be reused if they have stayed capped and clean.
Why it matters
Damaged tube has to be replaced, which costs money and time. Contaminated medical gas pipework may fail particulate and purity tests, forcing extended purging or even replacement of sections. Good storage and handling are among the cheapest forms of quality control available on any project.
Sourcing copper tubes
Nefton Exports Industries supplies capped, certified copper tubes and fittings in protective export packaging. Contact us for a quotation.
