Practice Safe Drum Handling by Using Proper Equipment

Various industrial settings have to deal with different goods and other stock items. When packaged in boxes or pallets, these are easy to store and maneuver. However, the handling difficulty proportionally increases with drums. Industrial drums, irrespective of their size and weight, pose a significant risk at workplace. Employees responsible for warehousing and material handling must use proper equipment to prevent workplace accidents. Inefficient techniques of handling drums and other materials may cause a safety hazard. Hence safe practices must also be adopted for routine handling. Here are a few tips to start with:

1. Use proper equipment for lifting and moving drums

Never manhandle drums or other containers. Rolling drums on and off the pallets, docks or trucks can cause a safety hazard. From bacOriginal illustration unavailable: portable hydraulic drum carrier injuries to crushed hands and feet, a number of injuries can be a result of improper handling. If manual handling is required, proper lifting equipment must be used. Several specialized drum handling equipment, including drum carriers, dumpers, positioners and stackers are available for safe handling.

2. Identify dangers posed by unsecured drums on forklift

Unsecured drums on forklifts pose serious danger. If the equipment has to suddenly stop to avoid collision, the unsafe drums will roll down risking injury and product loss. Use a mechanical forklift attachment to secure the drums and avoid potential hazards.

3. Carefully inspect pallets

When you’re using pallets, you must first inspect them properly. Stacking drums on splintered or old pallets can result in leaks and punctures. Pallets are often held together by the use of nails which work their way through wood to puncture drums. This is what causes leaks and other damages. If you have to use pallets, first make sure they are leveled and strong. They must not have any sharp edges or points present beneath the drum.

4. Identify the materials stored in drums

Products stored in industrial drums are often corrosive and/or flammable. Identifying the material present inside these drums can help you take proper precautions during the process. For instance, when working with flammable materials, you should use spark-resistant equipment to reduce the risk of fire.

5. Train operators in proper material handling

Having the right equipment and protocols in place alone cannot reduce the risk of accidents. Workers must also be trained to adopt proper techniques and practice safe drum handling. Furthermore, they should be trained to use drum handling equipment in the right manner. All of these steps when taken together will ensure workplace safety. These will not only prevent accidents and injuries to staff, but also prove to be productive for your business. We have a comprehensive list of drum handling equipment available for order today! Check out the drum positioners, drum lifters/rotators and other equipment to improve safety in your facility.