When it comes to storing and moving heavy and difficult drums, having dependable drum handling equipment is critical. The use of drum handling and drum tipping equipment not only assures seamless operations but also prioritises safety in busy commercial and industrial operations. With Astrolift's high-quality drum movers, you can be confident that your operations will be more efficient and cost-effective. In this blog article, we'll give expert advice and little-known facts to keep you safe while handling drums, guaranteeing a safe and productive workplace.
What is drum handling?
Drum handling is the safe and effective movement, storage, and transportation of drums, which are huge cylindrical containers used to store a variety of items such as chemicals, liquids, and a wide range of food ingredients. To avoid accidents or spills, proper drum handling procedures include assuring stability, balance, and adherence to safety rules.
What equipment is used for drum handling?
There is a range of specialised equipment designed for drum handling, including:
• Drum dollies: These are wheeled platforms that allow you to easily move drums across a flat surface.
• Drum lifters: These machines lift and transport drums using hydraulic or mechanical systems.
• Drum grips or clamps: These accessories grip drums securely for lifting or rotating.
• Drum tilters and rotators allow you to tilt or rotate drums to pour or empty their contents.
What are the different types of drum handling attachments?
Drum handling accessories add adaptability and efficiency to a variety of tasks. Drum rotators, clamp attachments, forklift attachments, and drum tippers are all frequent attachments. Each attachment has a distinct purpose, so it's critical to select the proper one for your needs and the sort of drums you're working with.
Expert Tips to Keep You Safe
1. Prioritise Safety with Reliable Drum Handling Equipment
Did you know that using proper drum handling equipment reduces the risk of accidents and injuries by providing stability and control? Astrolift's range of drum handling equipment offers reliability and efficiency, reducing downtime and promoting a secure working environment. Invest in these tools to ensure the safety of your employees and the integrity of your operations.
2. Ensure Proper Training and Familiarity
The majority of drum handling mishaps are the result of insufficient training and familiarity with the equipment. You enable your workers to handle drums safely and efficiently by giving comprehensive training. Make sure they understand the weight restrictions, operation procedures, and safety considerations. When it comes to keeping a secure workplace, knowledge is power.
3. Conduct Regular Inspections
Drums can deteriorate with time, posing significant hazards when handling. Inspections of both drums and drum handling equipment are required on a regular basis to detect symptoms of deterioration, leaks, or corrosion. To avoid accidents or equipment failure, address any maintenance or repair needs as soon as possible. By remaining proactive, you may provide a safer working environment for everyone.
4. Utilise Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Even seemingly innocuous drums can be dangerous if handled incorrectly. That is why it is critical to provide your employees with the essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Gloves protect against cuts and chemical exposure, safety goggles protect against splashes and debris, and steel-toed shoes defend against large items. Prioritise the regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimise the risk of injury.
5. Follow Proper Lifting Techniques
Improper lifting procedures are a major source of musculoskeletal injury when working with drums. Encourage your staff to lift with their legs rather than their backs to save strain. Furthermore, using drum lifters or other appropriate lifting gear for heavy drums guarantees safe handling and avoids undue pressure on employees' bodies.
6. Ensure Adequate Storage and Labelling
Drums that are improperly stored can endanger both employees and the environment. A safe working environment is enhanced by proper storage and labelling. Drums should be stored in a specific space away from heat sources, direct sunshine, and extreme temperatures. Drums should be secured to prevent them from toppling or falling. Clear and informative labelling assists staff in handling drums correctly, reducing the danger of maltreatment.
Drum handling provides various advantages to industries:
• Improved Safety: Reduces accidents and injuries while handling drums.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Improves workflow and saves time.
Product security: Prevents contamination and maintains product quality.
• Reduced Downtime: Reduces disruptions while ensuring operational continuity.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that industry norms and standards are followed.
• Physical strain is reduced, which protects employees from musculoskeletal injuries.
Drum handling is a key element of many businesses, and safety comes first. You can create a secure work environment while maximising efficiency by investing in dependable Astrolift drum handling equipment, providing proper training, conducting regular inspections, using appropriate PPE, following proper lifting techniques, and ensuring adequate storage and labelling.
Are you still using manual drum handling techniques? It is time to put safety, efficiency, and compliance first in your operations. Upgrade to dependable Astrolift drum handling equipment and reap the benefits firsthand. Don't put off exploring our drum handling solutions any longer; transform your workplace today!