Drum Equipment

Everyone that stores, dispenses and uses flammable liquids is sensitive to the risk of fire and injury. Workplace safety measures help lower the risks and ensure employee wellbeing. When managing flammable liquids, always do the following...

Slips and falls can be fatal in the workplace. In 2017, falls were the second highest cause of occupational death according to the U.S. Department of Labor. They accounted for 887 fatalities on the job. An estimated 25 percent of all disability claims per year, amounting to more than $25 billion, result from falls.

55-gallon drums are a versatile and convenient storage method used in many different industries. They store everything from lubricating oils to diesel and hazardous chemicals. While popular and easy-to-use, they also pose some risks.

Many industries use 55-gallon drums to store and move chemicals, oils and other products. Storing materials close to their point of use is convenient for operations. In the cases of certain machinery and equipment, this means storing some drums outdoors, even if most of the drums remain in a central warehouse.

In 2017, the National Response Center (NRC) received over 24,000 reports of spills into the environment, which equals about 65 spills per day. This number excludes leaks and spills that companies contained on their own sites. The NRC falls under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

On December 23, 2015, a hazardous waste handler injured his abdomen while moving drums. His company stored drums in a cramped storage area. The worker stretched awkwardly to grab the far lip of a 55-gallon (208-liter) drum weighing 425 pounds (193 kilograms). While moving the drum a few inches to maneuver a dolly under it, he felt a twinge in his lower abdomen. Despite some discomfort, he continued with his activities.

Companies transport, store and dispense many different flammable liquids using 55-gallon drums. Any one of these routine activities has the potential to create an explosive situation.