Modular and relocatable canopies, such as the Shield Canopy by McGregor Structures, have become indispensable assets for businesses across various industries. Whether providing weather protection, extra storage space, or operational flexibility, these canopies offer versatile, durable, and customisable options for commercial operations.
However, one of their most significant advantages—mobility—can be a new undertaking for many businesses that have solely dealt with traditional fixed buildings on their premises and are just getting initiated with the transformative potential achieved with modular and redeployable container canopies in operations.
Therefore, some familiarity with the best practices of redeploying your Shield Canopy structures is essential to leveraging their full capabilities for providing relocatable and weatherproof shelter in your business.
Read on to explore our detailed checklist for safely and efficiently relocating modular and mobile canopies in your business premises. Whether you are upgrading your site layout, expanding operations, or simply repositioning a canopy, this checklist ensures that the process is smooth, compliant with safety regulations, and cost-effective.
The primary guidelines and best practices for successfully redeploying mobile canopies
1. Conduct pre-relocation preparations and site assessments
Before any actual relocation work begins, thorough preparation and site assessments are critical. Rushing into the process without considering all relevant factors can lead to costly errors and safety hazards.
Start by surveying both the current and new locations. Evaluate the dimensions, terrain, access points, and any obstructions and apply for any approvals or planning permissions that are required for this process in your county.
Considering a few pertinent factors, such as whether there are underground utilities or drainage systems, if the new location of the canopy will interfere with other equipment, vehicles, or pathways at the new site, and whether there are any height restrictions or overhead power lines, can guide your assessment.
2. Develop a detailed relocation plan
Different modular and mobile canopies have unique design specifications, so it’s crucial to revisit the manufacturer’s guidelines to confirm how the structure should be dismantled, transported, and reassembled. Also, pay particular attention to recommended procedures for disassembly and reassembly as well as specific tools or lifting equipment that may be required, renting any that are not available on-site.
Shield Canopy and OPUS structures by McGregor are designed with relocatability at the core. Hence, the speed and convenience of relocating these structures are underscored by how they can be performed by even a small crew without requiring specialised skills or equipment—generally within a time frame of 48-72 hours.
In all redeployment initiatives, safety is paramount when relocating large structures like modular container canopies. The combination of heavy equipment, moving parts, and the potentially rapid pace of the undertaking requires careful adherence to health and safety protocols. Plan for regular safety briefings and toolbox talks throughout the project as they help reinforce safe practices and provide opportunities to address any emerging concerns.
3. Start by dismantling the canopy safely
The dismantling stage is often the most technically demanding part of the relocation process. It requires careful handling to avoid damage to the components and ensure the structure can be reassembled correctly.
Prior to disassembly, ensure that all personnel involved in the relocation are adequately trained in the areas of safe lifting and handling techniques, proper use of tools and lifting equipment, such as forklifts, cranes, or winches, and emergency procedures in case of equipment failure. McGregor recommends using a telehandler and scissor lift to breeze through the disassembly process for Shield Canopy and OPUS structures.
Follow a methodical sequence when dismantling the canopy, a typical sequence might include:
- Starting by removing the rigging on the roof sheet and taking it off the frame.
- Dismantling the frame: This process is easier on structures such as Shield Canopy which uses a system of structural clamping of the canopy to its base so that cutting and welding are not required.
- Preparing the anchoring systems for the move. In terms of Shield Canopy, this step is as simple as securing its shipping container base to be relocated and in the case of OPUS. This step involves stripping down and organising the interlocking concrete base for loading and moving.
- Labelling and cataloguing each component during disassembly makes reassembly quicker and reduces the risk of missing or misplaced parts.
4. Load and transport the components of the canopy
Relocating the disassembled canopy to the new site involves logistical planning to ensure safe and efficient transport. Without proper arrangements, there’s a risk of delays in transit and additional costs.
Ensure the equipment is inspected before use and that proper rigging techniques are utilised to prevent accidents during lifting. Once loading begins, prioritising proper load securing is critical to prevent shifting, which can lead to accidents or damage. Effective coordination between the transport team and the site crew is also a crucial aspect of ensuring a seamless transition for mobile canopies from one location to another.
5. Unload and reassemble at the new site
Reassembling the canopy at the new site is the final and arguably most crucial stage. To ensure that the structure is as stable and functional as before, attention to detail and adherence to guidelines are essential.
The reassembly sequence should mirror the dismantling process in reverse order. Common steps include:
- For Shield Canopy, start by placing and aligning the base/ shipping containers and measuring the width and diagonal distance between them—this allows your crew to start setting up the canopy as soon as it arrives on the new site.
- Erect the frame starting with the clamping of the support beams onto the shipping container base and moving the cross hoops into place, ensuring all joints are secure and aligned.
- Attach the roof sheets of the canopies, tensioning them evenly to avoid sagging. Secure the sheeting as per the design.
Conduct frequent inspections during reassembly to ensure everything aligns correctly and is firmly secured. Once reassembly is complete, perform one final inspection to confirm structural stability and integrity as well as proper tensioning of covers and panels.
Need more help with the relocation of your Shield Canopy or OPUS setups?
You can always contact the McGregor team and we can arrange for a dedicated specialist from our team to advise and guide you through conveniently disassembling, relocating and reinstalling your Shield Canopy or OPUS.
For any further guidance before redeploying your Shield Canopy and OPUS setups or if you feel stuck when disassembling or relocating mobile canopies on your site, our engineers are available to take a phone call and answer any questions.