MMH - Drums and Barrels

Handling drums and barrels can be dangerous. Do not handle drums and barrels without training. Use lifting equipment or assistance devices whenever possible.

Use mechanical aids whenever possible. Do not attempt to raise a full drum alone.

• Make sure that the drum is empty before raising it.
• Stand at the end of the drum.
• Place one foot forward at the side of the drum, the other behind.
• Bend your hips and knees.
• Keep the back straight.
• Grasp the rim about 15 cm from the ground with the elbows inside thighs.
• Stand up by thrusting off with the back leg and continuing in an upward and forward direction.
• Bring the back leg forward as if you are walking. Keep close to the drum.
• Stop at the balance point to change hand grip.
• Set the drum on its base by moving back leg forward. Use the body weight as a counter balance.

• Use two people to lift a full drum.
• Use the same technique as with one person, but have two people squatting at either side of the drum.

• Stand close to the drum with feet apart. One foot at the front and the other behind.
• Keep knees slightly flexed.
• Put your hands firmly against upper rim of the drum.
• Keep arms straight with the elbows "locked".
• Rock the drum gently to get the feel of its contents before you move it.
• Push the top of the drum away by extending the back leg and shifting your body weight onto your front leg.
• Stop tilting the drum at the balance point. Use back leg as a counter balance.

• Use a drum-tilting lever for up-ending filled drums that reduces the effort required to move such drums manually.

• Use a tilting drum stand to move emptied barrels and drums.

No. Always use cranes or lift trucks to stack drums.