Drum Handling Safety

Correct procedures for handling
55-gallon steel, fiber and plastic drums

The risks of handling heavy 55-gallon drums

Drum Handling Safety Tips

to help you
avoid injury

Heavy drums should always be moved with proper drum handling equipment. Use a drum truck, forklift attachment, below-hook drum lifter or other equipment specifically designed for drum handling.

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.

Palletize Drums

• Several models are available to palletize drums

• You can also use a below-hook drum lifter with your hoist or crane

Rack Drums

• Moving drums with bare forks is NOT recommended. Use a drum racker designed for the job.

• When drums are stored on their sides they should be cradled in a drum rack.

Dump Drums

• To lift and pour a heavy drum use ergonomic drum handlers that securely hold the drum. Mobile drum handlers, forklift drum carriers and below-hook drum carriers are available.

Move Empty Drums

• 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 30 Jun 2009

Drum handling safety. Correct procedures for handling 55-gallon steel, fiber and plastic drums.