Drum Handling Equipment Safety Procedures

Items that are lifted, moved and handled in a warehouse are extensive, but some items are more difficult to move than others. Special equipment and techniques are needed to handle these items properly, and drum handling equipment is an ideal example. The cylindrical shape of drums makes moving them manually a challenge. There are few places to get a proper grip, and when full they’re deceptively heavy. Frequently, workers suffer from; strained muscles, injured backs, damaged knees and even bdominal hernias. 

Specifically designed drum handling equipment are needed to avoid shoving a drum over and causing any spillages. At MHA Products, we convey to our customers, the importance of following safety procedures while operating any type of equipment in the workplace. See below for our essential tips on how to use drum handling equipment safely-

Effective Drum Handling Safety Tips

• Never Roll On Or Roll Off  

It’s an out-dated method of handling drums. When forklifts were still a glint in an inventor’s eye, warehouse personnel would turn drums and barrels on their sides and roll them. However, consequently instances of crushed hands, fingers and feet were common. The safe and correct use of drum handling equipment drastically reduce these accident risks. 

• Secure Drums On Forklifts  

No item should be moved by forklift without adequate security. Their shape makes them less stable than a square crate. Should the forklift stop suddenly, they are more likely to fall over and place workers at risk or injury. There are several drum handling equipment options attached to forklifts for greater stability. If you are moving drums on a pallet, then shrink wrap them together to prevent them falling over. 

• Inspect Pallets Before Use 

A pallet is a drum’s chief source of stability when transported.  A cracked or chipped pallet will significantly undermine safety levels. Either the pallet will buckle under the weight of the drums, or broken points may puncture the drums during transport. It is inspect pallets for any damage before using them. 

• Consider The Contents  

Contents of drums can vary, in most cases corrosive or flammable liquids are inside. With such products, take necessary steps to protect against the risk of spills and leaks. Ensure to clearly label the drums according to contents, ensure everyone is aware and notify all operators of appropriate drum handling procedures. Also, to maximize safety, select the right drum handling equipment for the job.

Types of Drum Handling Equipment

There are several types of equipment specifically designed to make handling and transporting drums easier and safer. Here is a list of some of the most common and most effective.

MHA's Drum Dollies are suitable for both steel and plastic drums and containers. Featuring castor wheels these units, are a safe and efficent method when it comes to the transportation of drums in workplaces. These are circular frames into which a drum stands, with four wheels beneath that allow you to simply push the drum ahead of you. They can support load capacities of up to 500kgs, depending on the type you require. 

Our Deluxe Drum Cradles are great for moving drums around the site and laying them in a sideways position. These cradles are heavy duty and feature a durable zinc plated finish.Similar to hand trolleys, they have curved back frames that allow you ease an upright barrel onto its side. Wheels on the back frame allow the drum to be moved around a warehouse floor.

MHA's Drum Palletiser Stackers makes stacking tasks such as; stacking drums into pallets, onto other drums or even onto seperate levels in a truck. The machine is designed like a forklift front, but stands on four wheels for mobility and is operated with a crank lever. Most can lift drums of 450kgs and of more than 1 metre high. These Drum Palletiser Stackers  are excellent for loading and unloading both plastic and steel drums onto pallets. These machines can also be used to stack drums on top of another, or to place on a ute or truck. 

Drum Handling Equipment from MHA Products

At MHA Products, we take safety in operating equipment very seriously. Due to this reason, all of our handling products for moving and turning drums come with advice on how best to operate them. Our extensive range of drum handling equipment covers all possible requirements.