Workers' safety may be at risk when empty drums are used for lifting and transporting heavy material. Drums, such as the 200 litre drums pictured below, are used by some companies for storing and transporting various materials and waste products, sometimes at weights far in excess of safe limits. The drums are lifted by cranes or hoists, with wires or hooks attached to holes cut in the drums. A hazard may be created if the wires break, wires or hooks tear loose from the holes cut in the drums, or the sides or bottom of the drum collapse under excess weight.
Risks increase when the drums become worn, aged or rusted.
Drums are constructed as safe containers for their original products, and are not intended for conversion to lifting. Safe and appropriate lifting buckets, platforms or containers should be designed, built and used to safely lift the material being moved. Safe weights should be determined by the designer. Even if the drums are supplied by another company, the employer whose workers are using the drums is responsible for the safety of employees and the use of the drums. If drums are to be used for lifting, they must be modified to a design which ensures they are capable of safely lifting the material.