Using the correct machinery eliminates the need for physical lifting. Working by hand takes a lot of time, which affects the movement of drums to their respective areas. To keep your workplace safe, use the drum handling equipment guide, which can help you choose the lifting machines that match your drum material, weight and facility layout.
Welcome to the blog; we give you all the information that will help you move the plastic and steel drums without manual lifting.
A simple guide that can help you transport drums using tools that speed up work and protect the workers.
Step 1. Identify the type of drum material
Check the type of material of a container and its weight before you choose the right attachment.
Steel drums
- Check for a solid, well-defined top edge. Ensure the side walls have not been bent, pushed inward, or misshapen due to a physical blow, impact, or collision, which could cause a clamp to slip.
Plastic drums
- Check that the plastic drum is not swelling, sun-damaged, or easily cracked. Because plastic bends when squeezed, make sure your lifting tool is made for plastic rims or uses wide straps to spread out the squeezing pressure safely.
Step 2. Select and prepare your equipment
Choose the right tool that matches your facility layout and what type of job you want to do.
- To stack barrels on top of each other, you have to use a special clamp that connects to a forklift, or use a rolling machine that lifts them for you.
- To move barrels across the flat floor, use a special two-wheeled cart. You lock the top of the barrel and lean it back so the wheels do all the heavy lifting.
- To pour liquids out of the barrel: Use a tool that lets you tilt or flip the barrel upside down.
Step 3. Align and engage the grip
Drive or walk the machine slowly up to the barrel. Make sure the tool faces the barrel perfectly straight.
When you use a rim hook
- You have to lower the tool until the jaws sit right under the top edge of the barrel.
If you are using the middle clamp
- Place the padded, curved arms around the middle of the barrel. Tighten the clamp safely so it holds the barrel tight without crushing it.
If you are using a wheeled cart
- Slide the flat bottom plate under the barrel. Catch the top edge with the adjustable hook, and lock it tight.
Step 4. How to lift and hold the barrel
Never lift the barrel higher than you need to while moving it.
- Lift the barrel only 2 to 3 inches off the floor. Keeping it low stops the barrel from tipping over.
- Stop for a second to make sure the tool holds the barrel tightly and it does not lean to one side.
- If you are using a two-wheeled cart, push down on the bottom foot pedal with your foot. Use your own weight to lean the cart back toward you. Let the cart do all the heavy work.
Step 5&6. Moving the container to the location.
- You have to move at a low pace, making sure the container is safe until you reach the actual location.
- Move with caution when turning, when you press the brakes suddenly, and on rough floors.
- If you must use a ramp, always keep the barrel facing uphill.
Deposit and disengage
- Set the barrel down slowly until it sits completely flat on the floor or pallet.
Mistakes that should be avoided when moving heavy steel and plastic drums with tools to protect workers.
- You should not use the wrong tool for plastic drums because they get damaged easily.
- Do not grip plastic barrels with too much force because if you tighten them, there will be a lot of pressure inside the drum, which can damage plastic walls and burst, opening the drum.
- Going downhill the wrong way: Never drive down a ramp with the drum in front of you. Always face the drum uphill so it does not slide off the lifting tool.
The bottom line is that to protect the workers’ backs and feet, you have to be good at choosing the best lifters that can make work easier and allow the warehouse to move fast. Also, it is important to check the material for drums because they get damaged easily, especially the plastic pieces. Make sure to check the floors, and when turning too fast, it pushes the heavy weight of the barrel to the side. This sudden movement can easily flip the forklift over or cause the barrel to slide right out of the clamps and drop. Keep the drum handling equipment guide with you to know how to assemble the machines when you encounter difficulties.
At LiftJet, we sell all kinds of tools and machines to help businesses lift and move heavy items easily and protect workers from injuries. Our equipment is built for companies that handle shipping, building, and warehouse storage.
FAQ’s
1. How can I drive up or down a ramp with a drum attachment?
Always keep the drum facing uphill. If you are going down a ramp, drive in reverse, so the heavy barrel does not slide forward off the lifting tool.
2. Is it possible to use a standard forklift to lift drums without any attachment?
No, this is highly dangerous. Standard flat forklift prongs can easily pierce the sides of a drum or cause it to roll off the front. Always use a dedicated forklift drum attachment to lock the barrel in place.
3. How to maintain the drum handling equipment?
The machines should be free from grease, dirt, and some chemical residue, as they cause the lifting pads to be slippery.
4. Where should the drum handling tools be kept after work?
The tools should be kept inside where they get enough ventilation to avoid corrosion due to rain, snow, and sunny seasons