Handling & Labeling Drums & Containers

The contents of drums and containers can pose a serious health and safety risk, particularly when the drums and containers are not labeled or are handled correctly. Before workers handle any drums and containers, employers must make sure that the drums and containers are labeled properly and meet OSHA, EPA, and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Drums and containers that do not meet these regulations and are damaged must be transferred (by arrangement of the employer), and the drums and containers must be discarded. Employers must inform workers of the contents of the drums and containers and their potential hazards, as well as provide them with materials to absorb spills and extinguish fires.

Drums and containers should undergo minimal movement, and employers should put in place safe work practices before anyone opens one of these vessels. Only tools or equipment that prevent ignition should be used when opening drums and containers.

When a hazardous situation involving a drum or container occurs, employers take the following actions:

• Evacuate non-essential employees from the area.
• Set up a barrier to protect equipment operators from exploding containers.
• Ensure that a continuous means of communication (such as radios or telephones), and a distinguishable and distinct alarm system to signal the beginning and end of activities where explosive wastes are handled is in place in the future.

To learn more about Hazardous Waste visit our Hazardous Waste Safety Online Training web page.