Transporting drums requires serious caution to prevent accidents. It involves thorough inspection of the drums and the equipment used to safeguard the drums, adhering to safety regulatory measures, ensuring safe loading and unloading to avoid accidents. Improper securing of drums can increase the chances of hazardous accidents and damage to the drums, resulting in high costs. As such, the drivers must be well-trained and equipped to handle the trucks. This blog elaborates on how drivers can safely transport drums.
Challenges faced when transporting drums
Safety hazards and physical injuries: A standard 55-gallon drum weighs 400 or 600 pounds, making it a challenging task, especially when transporting many drums. If not carefully secured, the chances of physical injuries are high.
Spills and environmental contamination: Improper securing of the drums can increase the chances of leaks, pressure buildups or damage to the drums. Not making any sense
Logistical operation difficulties: It is challenging to transport half-filled drums as the shifting liquids can disrupt the centre of gravity.
Regulatory and specialized transport issues: Transporting drums filled with toxic substances requires serious regulatory caution and adherence to the rules; failure to do so can lead to accidents or penalties driven by the regulatory authorities.
How to safely transport drums?
Safe handling and moving techniques
When handling drums, it is important to follow and utilize handling techniques to avoid straining and for security. Before handling the drums, ensure that they are inspected to check for any leaks or damage. Ensure to wear safety gear throughout the process of handling the drums. When moving or rotating the drums, use mechanical aids like drum trucks, dollies, or lifters to move or rotate them and ensure that the handler is well-trained in handling the moving equipment.
Loading and securement when transporting
Properly securing the drums is very crucial. When loading the drums, ensure that the drums are properly palletized to avoid overhanging them. To avoid shifting, use straps, blocks or braces to secure the load, but avoid over-tightening, which can damage the drums. Be careful when stacking the drums, avoid stacking loads on top of the drums and ensure that the stacking remains within the weight limits. You can also use anti-skid mats to prevent the drums from slipping.
Taking cautionary steps when transporting hazardous materials
When handling hazardous liquids, ensure that the drums used are the right drums and in good condition, ensure they are well labelled, and the drums containing flammable liquids have pressure-relieving fittings.
Conclusion
The drivers handling the transportation should be geared and trained on how to handle the drums so that they are delivered in good condition and prevent accidents along the journey. Ensure that the equipment used to handle the drums, such as the blocks, braces, straps, lifters or dollies, is inspected before use to ensure that they are in good condition. Brampton Straps is a trusted supplier of straps and safety gear for drivers transporting drums. Mr Jinder Atwal and his team ensure the supply of high-quality safety equipment to help drivers carry out their duties safely.
FAQ’s
- How can I safely secure the drums when transporting them?
When transporting drums, ensure they are safely loaded, palletized, and stacked. Use safety equipment to prevent the drums from shifting, such as straps, drum clips, blocks and braces and ensure to adhere to the safety regulatory instructions when handling hazardous materials.
- How can I prevent drums from leaking?
To avoid leaks, thoroughly inspect the drums for any damage, ensure that the drums used are the right drums for the liquid and ensure that the lids are well closed.
