Each year, thousands of workers are injured due to improper drum handling practices in the workplace. Many of these injuries could be averted by simply following safety procedures and using proper drum handling equipment. With drums (steel, fiber, or plastic), there are two sets of procedures to keep in mind -- drum approach and drum handling.
Drum approach can mean anything from making sure that the drums are inspected before they are moved, to keeping employees who are not involved in opening the drums at a safe distance.
DRUM APPROACH CONSIDERATIONS FOR GENERAL OPERATIONS
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Requirements
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Action/comment
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DRUM APPROACH
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General
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Shipping drums and containers must not be pressurized to remove contents.
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Temporary pressurized piping systems carrying hazardous liquids or gases must have relief valves and bypasses to prevent rupture and the escape of liquids or gases.
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Pressure vessels, drums, and containers of toxic and flammable liquids or gases must not be stored or used where they may be subject to open flame, hot metal or other sources of artificial heat.
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Barriers or guards must be erected around pressure vessels, drums and containers with 30-gal capacities or larger that contain flammable or toxic liquids or gases (unless in an isolated, protected place).
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55-gal (or more) containers of flammable or toxic liquids must be surrounded by dikes or pans that enclose the area and hold 25% of the total volume.
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Provide the number of suitable fire extinguishers in the immediate area where pressure valves, drums and containers of flammable liquids and gases are stored or in use.
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Always have extinguishers ready for use.
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DRUM APPROACH CONSIDERATIONS FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE OPERATIONS
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Yes
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No
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Requirements
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Action/comment
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Hazardous Waste Operations
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Drums and containers must meet DOT, OSHA and EPA regulations for the waste they contain.
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Whenever possible, inspect drums before they are moved. If they are buried, move them to an accessible area and inspect them immediately.
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Unlabeled containers must be treated as if they contain hazardous substances until the contents can be identified.
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Employees not involved in the opening of drums are to be kept at a safe distance.
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Drums and containers are to be opened in such a way that excess interior pressure will be safely relieved.
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When handling flammable materials, all tools and equipment must be the type that prevent ignition.
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Drums containing radioactive wastes are not to be handled until all hazards have been assessed.
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Special precautions must be taken with drums containing shock-sensitive wastes.
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All drums and containers are to be classified before they are packaged for shipment.
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This checklist covers some of the important barrel and drum handling requirements of the OSHA regulations and standards. It is intended to serve as a general reference, and not as a comprehensive review. It may be necessary to make changes to cover specific hazards in your own industry or plant.
DRUM HANDLING CONSIDERATIONS
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Yes
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No
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Requirements
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Action/comment
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DRUM HANDLING
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General Moving Techniques
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Make sure that the drum is being moved in the most efficient and safest possible way.
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Make sure that the correct people and devices are involved in moving the drum.
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Lifting and Positioning the Drum
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Be aware of the danger of spillage if the drum is moved too fast.
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When possible, this task should be completed with portable equipment.
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Use a lifting truck when necessary.
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Advanced Moving Techniques
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Advise workers of the handling routine that will provide safety and efficiency.
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This handling routine must take into account the personal protection of the workers.
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Make sure that the proper storage and stacking areas are in position.
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We cannot take any step or procedure for granted when it comes to assuring the safety of individuals as they handle drums. It is vital to outline the steps involved, and to think ahead about how drum handling will be accomplished.
There are many products on the market that offer to help with drum handling safety. Choose carefully and look into the reputation and record of the company that makes the equipment.
The automatic Parrot Beak® clamping mechanism on this forklift attachment helps assure a secure lift and transport, no matter whether steel, plastic, or fiber drums are involved.
This drum caddy can help prevent many injuries that come from manhandling drums in the typical plant setting.