Prior to Opening Drums (Equipment)

Before opening any drums, employers must make sure that safe work practices are in place. This includes providing the proper equipment. In regard to equipment, employers must ensure the following:

• The equipment consists only of tools that prevent ignition.
• The equipment is free from possible contamination.
• The equipment remains behind any existing barriers of explosion.
• Employees never stand on or work from drums or containers.
• Employees not involved in the operation must remain a safe distance away.
• Employees not involved in the operation must be "behind a suitable barrier to protect them from accidental explosions."* The footnote to this document defines a suitable barrier as a "physical barricade, natural or man-made, that has been designed and constructed of sufficient thickness and density to withstand or deflect the impact loads of an adjacent explosion."

OSHA notes that "special care also must be given when an employee handles containers of shock-sensitive waste, explosive materials, or laboratory waste packs."

To learn more about HAZWOPER visit our HAZWOPER 40 Hour Online Training web page.