A full 55-gallon steel drum can weigh over 2,000 pounds, with
typical weights of 400 to 800 Lb. When being moved, the contents of your
drum may shift inside, making the drum difficult to control or even
dangerous. There are also special considerations when handling a plastic
drum or a fiber drum. Conditions such as restricted spaces and slippery
or uneven floors can
entail greater risks.
Mishandling a heavy drum can cause serious injury,
damage the drum, waste valuable contents or contaminate the environment.
Common injuries include a strained back, crushed fingers or hands, and foot
trauma. Incidents of dropped drums, or drums rolling
out of control, can also cause spills and damage.
Safe procedures for Drum Handling Safety
Always use protective clothing
Eliminate risk factors
Drum handling safety requires a systematic approach to eliminate all
possible causes of injury. Take proper precautions if the drum contents
are hazardous or flammable. Refer to your MSDS for correct handling
procedures. Always use appropriate protective clothing such as
gloves, steel-toed shoes and eye protection. Environmental factors
should be considered, such as adequate lighting and sufficient space to
safely handle drums. Of course, cluttered, sloped or slippery floor surfaces
increase the risks. Eliminate these conditions as much as possible, and clean up
any spills. Replace any missing bungs or lids.
Always use proper equipment
designed for the task when handling heavy drums. Train all employees in
proper drum handling safety procedures and use of
drum handling equipment.
Drum Handling Safety Tips
Move Your Heavy Drums
Many drum handlers are
available to safely move heavy steel, fiber and plastic drums.
A partially filled drum may
not seem heavy, but shifting contents can make it difficult to
handle. It may roll unpredictably and be difficult to control.
Handle it carefully to avoid damage and accidents.
Support the leaning drum with your thigh and face the way you
will travel. Then roll the drum on its lower rim by rotating the
upper rim hand over hand.
To lift an empty drum, squat, then
straighten your legs. Do NOT bend your back. Correct posture and
placement of hands and feet is essential when handling drums. Specially designed drum trucks
are a much safer alternative for moving drums.
When rolling an empty drum on its side control it all the way, using your gloved hands. Never roll a drum out of
a truck
or past a blind corner without posting a guard.
Be alert for burred edges, lock rings and bungs that may catch
your gloves or clothing and throw you off balance.
Please email us or
call (315) 437-8475 to speak with a Morse professional about the correct
drum handling safety for your application.
Updated
09 Apr 2008
Drum handling safety. Correct procedures for handling 55-gallon
steel, fiber and plastic drums.
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