Improper handling of drums and barrels can result in severe injuries. These include painful back sprains, smashed toes and fingers, or exposure to hazardous chemicals if the contents are leaking. Proper work practices can minimize your risk of injury, so consider the following tips.
Prior to handling the drum, read the label on the drum and look for symbols, words or other marks which indicate if its contents are hazardous, corrosive, toxic or flammable. If the drum isn’t labeled, consider the contents hazardous until they are positively identified
Before moving the drum or barrel, replace missing bungs and/or lids and secure as necessary.
Depending upon the contents of the drum, estimate its weight. Determine whether you can move it yourself or if you need assistance. A 55-gallon drum can weigh 400-800 pounds.
If you decide to move it yourself, use a forklift if one is available, a hand truck or a drum cart that is designed specifically for drum handling.
If the drum can be rolled, stand in front of it and place both hands on the far side of the chime. Pull the drum forward until it balances on the bottom chime. You can now roll the drum on its chime, being careful to keep your hands from crossing over one another. You can also lower the drum to the ground for rolling by shifting your hands to the bottom side of the chime (not where they will be crushed). Then slowly lower the drum to the floor. Keep your back straight and bend at your knees. Then roll the drum with both hands. Don’t use your feet or grasp the ends.
To upend a barrel or drum, a drum lifter bar is preferable. If one is not available, crouch in front of the drum, knees apart and firmly grasp the chime on each side. Keep your back straight and use your leg muscles to lift. Balance the drum on the lower chime, shift your hands to the far
Protect your hands, feet, back
Most importantly, use material handling equipment whenever possible, and get help when you need it!
When preparing to open the drum to drain or install a pump, release any pressure built up in the drum slowly before removing the bung or seal. If the pump does not have a vent, relieve the vacuum by opening a vent if possible or by loosening the pump. Failure to provide a vent could lead to an implosion and spillage of the drum contents.
Vent the drum when filling to relieve pressure and prevent rupture and spillage.
Grounding wire assemblies should be use to eliminate spark hazards from static electricity produced by transfer and/or dispensing of flammable liquids. Safety vents with perforated metal flash arresters, prevent propagation of outside ignition sources into drums as well as relieveing pressures.
When woriking around flammable liquids, use a drum wrench of non-sparking material such as a bronze alloy construction that will assure safe removal and replacement of safety drum faucets, viscous valves or safety drum vents.
Use self closing drum faucets which will close automaticlly when the lever is released.
* Beat the Drum for Safety *