Storage

The entire infrastructure is focused on treating the holdings as gently as possible. The CSLS offers a variety of storage options for printed and paper-based items and cultural property. The state-of-the-art oxygen-reduced (inert atmosphere) high-bay storage facility is at the heart of this concept.

High-bay container storage system

HRL mit KTG im Hintergrund, nach oben aufgenommen

The high-bay storage area has space for some 3.1 million items; however, the infrastructure has been designed in such a way that its capacity can be expanded in several phases to allow storage of up to 14 million items. The storage facility is equipped with standardised containers. The robot-controlled retrieval crane uses fully automated technology to retrieve containers which contain items ordered for loan from their slots before sending them to the picking stations in the administrative wing via a conveyor belt system.

Facts and figures

Fire protection

Holdings must be protected from fire. Due to the nature of the storage facility and the high density of stored items, not only would it be very difficult and expensive to install a sprinkler system, but the firefighting water would also severely damage the valuable holdings. Therefore, oxygen reduction/ an inert atmosphere was chosen and the oxygen content in the warehouse was reduced from approx. 21% to approx. 13.5%. This is equivalent to a height of 4000 m above sea level. Thanks to this technology fires cannot start because the required oxygen is not available. The storage facility may, however, only be entered by medically certified personnel and if strict rules are followed.

Health and safety regulations
Risks
- Altitude sickness: Although being in an oxygen-reduced atmosphere is not exactly the same as being at high altitude, it can cause similar symptoms. These include headaches, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness and brain and lung oedemas.
- Impaired working ability: Error rate, deterioration in ability to think logically, delayed reactions.
- Threats posed by existing health conditions: Employees with the following conditions are at particular risk: Heart and cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders and lung diseases, blood disorders.
Measures
- The oxygen-reduced atmosphere storage facility may only be entered by medically certified personnel for maintenance purposes (inspection, servicing, maintenance).
- Visual and acoustic alarm systems are triggered if readings fall below a specific level.
- Doors must be self-closing and equipped with an escape function.
- It must be possible to halt nitrogen supply to the storage facility at any time.
- Nitrogen levels in the storage facility must remain at a constant level.
- The spread of oxygen-reduced air to other spaces must be prevented.
- Oxygen levels must be kept as high as possible.
- Slower working speed. Physical exertion and work under time pressure must be avoided.
- The maximum period of time which can be spent in the storage facility is 6 hours per day.
- The maximum uninterrupted period of working may not exceed 2 hours.
- Breaks of at least 30 minutes must be taken between periods spent in the storage facility.
- Pregnant women are forbidden from entering the storage facility.
- Employees must undergo an occupational health examination at least once a year.
- Continuous monitoring of employees must be ensured.
- It is recommended that breathing apparatus be worn.

Gentle Storage

Temperature and humidity in the storage and logistics areas are optimized for the holdings.
Containers are also climate controlled.
Reduced speed and braking of all cranes and conveyor belt systems ensures non-damaging transport.
All employees are regularly trained in handling all kinds of stored items.
All materials are emission-free.

Storage climate conditions

Climate conditions can be individually set for each storage zone. The building’s solid construction methods, including 36-cm thick concrete walls, ensure that the desired temperature and humidity range is maintained. Special surface coatings in the storage facility reduce nitrogen emissions and prevent moisture penetration. Depending on the time of year, the temperature in the storage facility ranges from 8 °C to 22 °C and is not allowed to fluctuate more than 2 °C over a period of 48 hours. Humidity in the storage facility is kept at a constant 45% ± 5%. There is no active air conditioning system, however one could be retro-fitted if required.

Climate development HBS 2019 for humidity temperature and oxygen content. Additionally with external temperature.

Maintenance of the ambient atmosphere

A variety of additional factors are crucial for optimum storage of printed and paper-based items. The temperature and humidity in the high-bay storage facility and individual containers are therefore monitored, while airborne germ measurement and mould monitoring is carried out in the high-bay storage facility. All materials used to support storage.

Earthquake protection

The high-bay storage facility has been earthquake-proofed to Swiss construction standard SIA Building Class II.

Capacity	112'000 box spaces
Storage area dimensions (L×W×H)	69.5×19.8×14.6 m
Shelf depth	1'138 mm
Shelf load	max. 120 kg
Bay load	max. 3'260 kg
Storage	Doppelttief
Storage strategy	nach Gewicht