3. 55-gallon drums are used to store material
Ship finished products
Dispense material for use and store wastes.
All of these 55-gallon drums must be moved from time to time.
Like most things, there's a right way to move a drum and several wrong
ways to do it.
This week's safety topic discusses the safe ways to move a drum.
This will help prevent injuries by moving drums safely!
55- Gallon Drum
4. Safe Handling Procedures
Check to see how much room there is to move the drum.
Plan your route in advance. Don't wait until the drum is in motion
Check the route for anything that might cause you or your equipment to trip or slip.
Check the drum to make sure it isn't warped. This could cause the drum to slip.
Check the drum for burrs, which could cause a laceration.
Check the drum for liquids, which could cause you to lose your grip.
Check the bung to make sure it is tight enough to prevent leaks.
If you are moving the drum using a pallet, make sure the pallet is in good condition.
5. Five Serious Injuries That Can Occur If a 55-Gallon Drum Is Not
Handled Safely:
Fractures
Lacerations
Hernias
Back strain
Fire
6. Four Methods To Move a 55-Gallon Drum
Pull Method
Push Method
Drag/Pull Method
Push/Pull Method
Chime
Wall
7. Pull Method
Grip the near chime with one hand
and the far chime with the other hand
Brace your foot at an angle across
the bottom chime
Your hands and feet should form a
straight line.
8. Push Method
place your hands near the chime at
shoulder width.
Move your shoulders low and close to
the drum.
Slowly push forward with your legs
until you feel the drum reach its balance
point
9. Push/Pull Method
Use one hand to pull the far chime.
Use the other hand to push against the wall.
10. Drag/Pull Method
Place your hands at the near position at
shoulder width.
Brace the drum with your foot to prevent it
from sliding and shift your weight to the rear
foot.
Pull and drag it a few inches to the left then
to the right.
11. Hand Trucks Safety Awareness
Hand Trucks can reduce manual lifting and back strain
Choose the right truck for the job
Plan and prepare for the job
Use proper Lifting Techniques to load the hand truck
Operate Trucks to Minimize Physical Strain and Maximize Control
Keep Your Eyes on the ‘Road’ and Stay Alert
Follow Proper Unloading Techniques
Inspect hand trucks and dollies daily before use
OSHA Regulations: General Duty Clause 5(a)(1), Handling
Materials (29 CFR 1910.176, 178)
12. Identify The Hazards
Drums too heavy for people to handle safely.
Flexible plastic drums that are difficult to grip.
Drums stored in tight spaces.
Slippery, cluttered or uneven floors.
Contents shifting in a partially full drum can
make it difficult to control or even dangerous.
Dangerous drum contents.
13. Potential Hazards If Hand Truck is Mishandled
Damage the drum
Waste valuable contents
Contaminate the environment.
Common injuries include a strained back, crushed fingers or hands, and foot
trauma.
Incidents of dropped drums, or drums rolling out of control, can also cause spills
and damage.
14. Which is better for your back:
Pushing a hand truck or Pulling a
hand truck ?
