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 OSH Answers Lists |
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Manual Materials Handling (MMH) |
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How should drums and barrels be lifted?Handling drums and barrels can be dangerous. Do not handle drums and barrels without training. How should a drum be raised from the ground?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.
How should a standing drum be moved? - 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.
Should drums be lifted manually when they are stacked?No. Always use cranes or lift trucks to stack drums.
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Document last updated on August 27, 2002
Copyright ©1997-2008 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety
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