Drum Handling Safety Precautions

Industrial drums of any size are a significant workplace hazard for anyone working in storage or material handling sectors. Manually moving, decanting, or otherwise dealing with drums may be both physically demanding and potentially hazardous, especially for any employee.

Although welding can be extremely dangerous, with the appropriate equipment and safe handling procedures, these hazards may be controlled. Safe management of industrial drums also necessitates not just awareness but continued training on the dangers associated with working with industrial drums.

Here’s a quick rundown of drum handling safety precautions to help you avoid workplace accidents. But first, we need to be aware of the common hazards associated with drum handling.

Common Safety Hazards Associated With Industrial Drum Handling

There are a number of safety concerns associated with industrial drum handling that vary depending on the situation. It is critical to handle drums as securely as possible, since every application has its own set of risk factors. Taking the time to analyse any assignment’s challenges is the first step in managing them. The following are some examples of typical safety hazards:

• Operating in tight spaces
• Operating in unsafe conditions (slippery floors, uneven surfaces; leading to falls)
• Handling half-filled drums that have weight imbalance
• Handling high quantities of industrial drums leading to overexertion and strain
• Trying to handle heavy drums manually (you would need to use a drum handle equipment instead)
• Improperly sealed drums that may leak unsafe materials
• Storing drums in restricted spaces where it would be difficult to move them

Safety Guidelines To Follow

Improper handling of industrial drums is not only dangerous, but also has a number of long and short-term consequences, including death, disfigurement, chemical burns, musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses linked to overuse strain. While different applications necessitate varied risk reduction techniques, the following methods are typical across most employment settings.

• Educate Your Employees: Make sure that employees are equipped with and educated on equipment that allows them to safely and effectively transport industrial drums.
• Adorn Protective Wear: When dealing with industrial drums, you would need appropriate gloves, headgear, and shoes. Make sure that all personnel on the floor have access to adequate protective gear.
• Follow Material Recommendation: Always read the MSDS and other product information. If a spill or accidental exposure occurs, utilize the recommended confinement methods.
• Ensure a Clean and Clutter-free Workplace: A clean environment is a safer one. Dust and clutter must be kept out of the workplace. Make sure your office is well-lit and provides access as needed for employee safety.
• Avoid Overfilling Drums:  Take steps to secure the load and prevent spills.

The Importance of Having The Right Equipment & Training

Having the appropriate equipment and knowing how to use it correctly is an important aspect of risk management. When it comes to working with industrial drums, Easy Lift Equipment offers a variety of products that aid in improving on-the-job safety levels.

At Springwell Marketing, we offer ergonomic drum handling solutions for all drum handling applications, including transporting drums, loading and unloading trailers, weighing drums, or dumping and discharging drums.

For expert guidance on product choices or drum handling equipment, contact our staff – who are experts in material handling equipment directly.