27 Jul Handling 55-Gallon Drums Safely

Handling 55-Gallon Drums Safely

A 55-gallon drum can be extremely heavy and difficult to control. Improper handling can result in back strains, crushed hands or feet, fractures, lacerations, and other serious injuries. Whenever possible, use mechanical equipment designed for drum handling rather than manually moving a drum.

Before Moving a Drum

Do not attempt to move a drum until you have evaluated the drum, its contents, and the travel path.

• Determine what the drum contains and be aware of any associated hazards.
• Check the drum’s weight and determine whether mechanical assistance is needed.
• Wear appropriate PPE, including suitable gloves and protective footwear.
• Inspect the drum for damage, bulging, corrosion, sharp edges, or burrs.
• Check for leaks or liquids that could make the drum slippery.
• Make sure bungs, lids, and closures are secure.
• Inspect the travel route for slopes, obstructions, uneven surfaces, and slip or trip hazards.
• Make sure there is adequate clearance at doors, aisles, ramps, and other restricted areas.
• If using a pallet, inspect it for damage and verify that the drum is stable and properly positioned.

Do not manually handle a leaking, bulging, badly damaged, or unidentified drum. Notify your supervisor and follow the appropriate hazardous-material or spill-response procedures.

Use Mechanical Equipment Whenever Possible

The preferred method of moving drums is with equipment specifically designed for the task, such as:

• Drum trucks or dollies.
• Drum cradles or handlers.
• Drum grabs or lifting attachments.
• Pallet jacks or forklifts when drums are properly secured and the equipment is suitable for the load.

Only trained and authorized employees may operate powered material-handling equipment.

Never attempt to catch or stop a falling drum. Move clear and allow it to fall.

Manually Tipping or Positioning a Drum

If a drum must be manually repositioned and the task can be performed safely:

• Maintain firm footing and keep the area around the drum clear.
• Keep your hands away from pinch points, particularly around the chimes and between the drum and nearby objects.
• Maintain control of the drum at all times.
• Use your legs and body weight rather than relying on your back.
• Avoid sudden movements, jerking, or twisting.
• Do not place your hands or feet underneath the drum.
• Get assistance or use mechanical equipment if the drum cannot be controlled comfortably.

When several drums are stored close together, do not place your hands between drums where they could be crushed.

Rolling Drums

Rolling drums by hand should be minimized and performed only when conditions allow the drum to remain under control.

When rolling a drum:

• Roll it only on a firm, level, unobstructed surface.
• Keep both hands on the drum while maintaining control.
• Keep your fingers away from pinch points and sharp edges.
• Do not slide your hands along the drum where burrs or sharp surfaces could cause cuts.
• Maintain stable footing and use controlled side steps as necessary.
• Stay close enough to control the drum without placing yourself in its path.
• Never allow a drum to gain uncontrolled momentum.
• Do not attempt to manually control a drum on a steep slope or incline.

Two-Person Handling

Using two employees does not automatically make manual drum handling safe. Both employees should understand the movement before starting and communicate throughout the task.

• Designate who will direct the movement.
• Coordinate pushing, pulling, tipping, and positioning.
• Keep hands and feet away from pinch and crush points.
• Stop immediately if either employee loses control or footing.

If the drum is too heavy or awkward to control safely, use mechanical handling equipment instead.

Spills and Leaks

If a drum leaks or its contents spill:

• Stop work and keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Do not touch or walk through an unknown or hazardous material.
• Eliminate ignition sources when appropriate and when this can be done safely.
• Notify your supervisor immediately.
• Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), when applicable.
• Follow the site’s spill-response and emergency procedures.

Remember

A full drum can weigh hundreds of pounds and can easily cause a crushing or strain injury. Inspect before moving, use mechanical assistance whenever practical, protect your hands and feet, and never try to catch a falling drum.