by Regulation
Multiple government agencies regulate the transportation and storage of chemicals in drums to ensure safety. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has comprehensive rules for packaging, marking, labeling and transporting dangerous goods or hazardous materials in drums. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the disposal and cleanup of chemical wastes and releases. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards for drum handling and worker exposure to chemicals. These regulations aim to minimize risks during the regular lifecycle of chemical drums.
DOT packaging standards specify that chemical drums must be UN-rated depending on the hazard class of contents, constructed of corrosion-resistant steel or plastic, and regularly inspected for defects. Drums containing liquids must have nonsparking closing rings, and compressed gas drums require overpressure relief devices. Unique identification numbers help track shipments, while comprehensive labeling communicates hazards clearly. Proper drum closure, cushioning and securing for transport are also mandated.
Responsible Drum Handling
Even with robust regulations, drum handling mishaps can occur if proper procedures are not followed correctly. Workers who work directly with chemical drums require thorough safety training on drum types, Chemical Drums properties and emergency response procedures. Personal protective equipment appropriate for the chemicals must always be worn.
Drum-moving equipment like drum carts, pallet jacks and drum lifters should be used to prevent physical strain and injury. Drums must be stored appropriately – on pallets in dry, ventilated areas separated by class/compatibility. Regular Stock checks can identify damaged or leaking drums requiring repackaging or disposal. Drum bungs and closures should not be altered or removed except in well-ventilated enclosure using proper tools.
Proper Disposal Methods
Once chemical drums have been emptied and rinsed as much as possible, the next step is responsible disposal. Drums containing hazardous waste require specialized disposal by an EPA-approved hazardous waste vendor, who will ensure drums are transported, processed and disposed of according to stringent regulations.
Non-hazardous residual or rinse waste inside drums is considered a liquid industrial waste subject to state environmental agency discharge limits. Various treatment technologies like neutralization or precipitation may be required before wastewater can be discharged to a municipal system or transported for deep well injection.
When cleaned and purged of residues, steel drums can sometimes be recycled. Recyclers may accept clean metal drums which they densify into briquettes for re-melting. Plastic drums are also often recycled into plastic pellets, though contamination issues make recycling criteria more stringent.
As a last resort, properly decontaminated drums may be disposed in lined landfills approved to accept industrial wastes if recycling is not possible. Thorough documentation of proper drum emptying certifies no hazardous residuals remain.
Risks of Improper Drum Handling
Failure to handle chemical drums responsibly poses unnecessary risks to workers, the public and the environment. Accidents from damaged drums, improper storage, mixing of incompatible chemicals and other mishandling have caused toxic releases, fires and explosions endangering facilities and nearby communities. Spills during transport also threaten roadways and waterways.
Workers face additional health and safety risks if exposure limits are exceeded. Inhalation or skin exposure to chemicals can cause acute injury or long-term illnesses like cancer. Lack of PPE training or complacency also increase risks. Undocumented or illegal drum disposal leaves hazardous wastes vulnerable to leakage into soil and groundwater. Regulatory noncompliance can additionally incur hefty penalties and cleanup costs for responsible parties.
With diligent training, engineering controls, work practices and regulatory compliance, however, their lifecycle from filling to transport to recycling or disposal need not jeopardize human health or the environment. Proper chemical drum management safely provides the packaging vital industries require while minimizing community and environmental impact.
Chemical Reactivity Concerns
One final hazard of it is reactivity – the potential for drums to undergo dangerous chemical reactions over time, due to drum condition deterioration or interactions between incompatible materials. Several factors influence chemical reactivity and stability in drums:
– Chemical composition – Highly reactive, unstable or Self-accelerating reactions pose special risks
– impurities or contaminants – even small amounts can catalyze unexpected reactions
– Storage conditions – Temperature, light exposure or other stressors may induce decomposition
– Drum integrity – corrosion thinning/pinholes allow gas/liquid mixing between layers
– Compatibility – drums stored/transported together must not react dangerously
Incidents like Drummed peroxide explosions or Fires from unanticipated polymerization highlight the level of diligence required. Inventory rotation, chemical compatibility reviews, integrity testing and temperature monitoring help ensure chemical drum integrity over the long run. Proactive stability testing identifies chemicals requiring special handing like refrigeration, stabilization or repackaging.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Priya Pandey
Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement. LinkedIn Profile
