Opening Drums and Containers - Drum Sampling Safety

Be sure that sampling personnel are at a safe distance when opening the drum. Once the drum is open and sampling can begin, follow these tips and techniques:

• Do not lean over other drums to reach the drum being sampled, unless absolutely necessary.
• Avoid unnecessary contact with the drum tops by covering the tops with plastic sheeting (or other appropriate materials).
• Never stand on drums. This is extremely dangerous. Instead, use steps or another platform.
• Obtain samples with either glass rods or vacuum pumps. Do not use contaminated items such as discarded rags to sample. The rag may contaminate the sample and may not be compatible with the waste in the drum.
• Be sure to remove glass rods prior to emptying a drum using a pump. This will minimize damage to the pumps.

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