Staging

Drum and container handling should be kept to a minimum. However, there will be times that drums must be moved in order to protect the drums from site conditions. (For example, the site's high temperatures, or the equipment used on site, could potentially lead to drum explosions; therefore, it is best to move the drum or container.) OSHA refers to this transfer as "staging."

Staging

• The scope of the operation
• The accessibility of drums in their original positions
• The perceived hazards of the drums or containers

OSHA's possible staging scenario is as follows:

• Initial staging area (where drums can be organized by type, size, and possible contents and stored before sampling begins)
• Opening area (where drums are opened, sampled, and resealed)
• Second staging area (also known as a holding area, where drums are temporarily stored after sampling, pending characterization of their contents)
• Final staging area (also known as a bulking area, where substances that have been characterized are bulked for transport to treatment or disposal facilities)

Remember that staging is an action done to improve site safety, but it is in no way a safe action on its own. Exercise caution when staging, and plan for potential risks.

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