Drum handling forklift attachments for the food and drink sector

The best drum handling forklift attachments for drums of chemicals

Handling chemical drums safely is crucial in various industries to prevent accidents, spills and contamination. St Clare Engineering offers a range of specialised forklift attachments under the Grab-O-Matic brand to enhance safety and efficiency in the handling of chemical drums.

The importance of proper handling of chemical drums

Chemical drums, typically made from steel, plastic or fibreboard, can contain hazardous substances. Mishandling drums of chemicals can lead to spills, exposure to toxic materials, and even explosions. Using the right equipment to handle chemical drums ensures safe transportation and storage of the chemicals, reducing the risk of workplace incidents.

Procedures for the handling of chemical drums

Using proper equipment:

You should always use appropriate drum handling equipment, such as forklifts with appropriate drum handling attachments, to move drums containing chemicals. Manual handling should be avoided due to the weight and potential hazards.

Safe transportation:

It is critically important that chemical drums are secured properly during transportation, and you have selected the right drum handling gripper to manage the load safely.

St Clare Engineering manufactures several types of drum handling forklift attachments designed for different needs. Many of these are highly effective in the handling of chemical drums:

• Rim Grippers: securely grip the drum by its rim, allowing for stable lifting and movement.
• Waist Grippers: provide a firm hold around the waist of the drum on steel drums with pronounced rolling rims, offering stability during transport.
• Base Grippers: grip the base of the drum, ideal for drums unsuitable for rim or waist handling.

Use pallets for flammable liquids and cylinder trolleys for compressed gases. Ensure that all personnel involved in transporting chemical drums are trained in handling the specific hazards of the contents.

Dispensing chemicals:

Use the right forklift attachment, such as a bespoke Drum Rotator, to facilitate the controlled rotation of drums, mixing contents or emptying them safely. Use proper tools like funnels, pumps and bung wrenches to dispense chemicals from drums, and ensure that all seals are tight and leak-free before and after dispensing.

Handling in explosive areas:

When handling drums in explosive areas, use ATEX-certified equipment and follow additional safety protocols to prevent ignition sources. At St Clare Engineering, we have a range of ATEX drum handling forklift attachments specifically designed for potentially explosive environments.

Chemical compatibility:

Ensure that the drum material is compatible with the stored chemical. For instance, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) drums are suitable for most chemicals but not for highly corrosive substances. Our range of drum handling forklift attachments is suitable for a wide range of drum types, including drums for handling and storing chemicals.

Environmental protection:

Implement secondary containment measures to prevent spills from contaminating the environment. This includes using spill trays and salvage drums.

Training and procedures:

Develop well-defined procedures for handling of chemical drums, including transportation, storage, and emergency response. Ensure that all employees are adequately trained and familiar with these procedures.

Our customers choose St Clare Engineering for handling of chemical drums

We are trusted by many customers who use St Clare Engineering forklift truck drum handling equipment to ensure the safe handling of chemical drums in their operations. These include:

• Croda: a global speciality chemicals company
• Univar Solutions: a global distributor of chemicals and ingredients
• Chemco: a world leader in protective and marine coatings
• Evonik: a world leader in specialty chemicals
• Al Nahda International FZCO : one of the leading industrial chemical distributors in the UAE.

If you would like to find out more about our attachments for the safe handling of chemical drums, please contact:

Andy Bow – St Clare Engineering Ltd
Tel: 02380 643402
Fax: 02380 642189
Email: sales@stclare-engineering.co.uk
Web: www.stclare-engineering.co.uk