Six Tips for Managing Flammable Liquids in Drums
- By Dan Carver
- Jun 28, 2019
- 0 Comments
Understanding the Risks of Flammable Liquid Storage in 55-Gallon Drums
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:
- Meet OSHA and NFPA standards. Experts develop these standards based on thorough research and investigations into past incidents. Following these codes raises the standard of safety within your organization. It also helps companies avoid steep fines due to con-compliance.
- Buy only high-quality, certified equipment. When lives and livelihoods are at stake, the real cost of an unsafe workplace is beyond measure. Third-party certification companies like Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) and Factory Mutual Research (FM) test equipment to check that it meets regulatory standards. Purchase equipment with their approval to lower the risks of equipment failure.
Here are six tips for safe management of flammable liquids in 55-gallon drums:
Safe Flammable Liquid Storage in 55-Gallon Drums: Tip 1
Use Pressure Vents on 55-Gallon Drums
A pressure vent or safety drum vent has two functions: it allows air to enter the drum during dispensing, and prevents the formation of a vacuum. But, it also acts as a safety device to relieve pressure from the drum. Drum contents heat up during a fire. Without a pressure vent to relieve pressure buildup in a drum, it could eventually explode.
Proper bonding and grounding techniques prevent static discharge and the potential for a fire.
Safe Flammable Liquid Storage in 55-Gallon Drums: Tip 2
Connect 55-Gallon Drums to Earth
Use antistatic wires to connect a metal drum to an electrical earth. This provides a path for electrical current to flow away from the flammable liquid storage drum. Without grounding, static electricity builds, creating the risk of a spark and possible fire.
Safe Flammable Liquid Storage in 55-Gallon Drums: Tip 3
Bond Drums Together when Dispensing
Static electricity also builds up between two metal containers while dispensing flammable liquid. Use antistatic wires to bond containers to each other, creating a path for electrical current to flow. Bonding containers together eliminates static electricity – so, no sparks, no fire!
Safe Flammable Liquid Storage in 55-Gallon Drums: Tip 4
Ensure Metal-to-Metal Contact for Grounding and Bonding
Properly connect antistatic wires to the metal surface of the drum. Wiggle the alligator clip connections on the metal so that the teeth penetrate any corrosion or coating. Only a metal-to-metal contact guarantees effective grounding and bonding.
Justrite Brass Safety Drum Faucet, Internal Flame Arrester with ¾" Bung – Model no. 08902
Safe Flammable Liquid Storage in 55-Gallon Drums: Tip 5
Use Self-Closing Faucets
Distractions come at any time and during any activity - even while dispensing product from a 55-gallon drum. Use a self-closing faucet to prevent distractions from resulting in a spill. These automatically shut off when you take your hand off the mechanism.
Safe Flammable Liquid Storage in 55-Gallon Drums: Tip 6
Use Spill Trays, Pallets or Caddies
Store 55-gallon drums on spill pallets to catch any drips or leaks. Or, use a spill caddy to carry an individual drum. They feature specialized compartments to contain spills. Place a spill tray underneath a drum on a horizontal stand to catch any drips or spills during dispensing.
Uncontained spills are fire hazards because they are open to ignition sources. They also create slip hazards for employees.
Order Justrite Drum Management Equipment Today
Justrite supplies high-quality workplace safety solutions for handling 55-gallon drums. As the safety industry’s leading manufacturer, we’re committed to protecting your workers, your workplace and your bottom line. Our drum funnels and equipment are made to work hard – and built to last. Contact us today to learn more.
