How should drums and barrels be lifted?
- context Handling drums and barrels can be dangerous. Do not handle drums and barrels without training. Use lifting equipment or assistance devices whenever possible.
// Lifting, pushing, pulling
MMH - Drums and Barrels
How should drums and barrels be lifted? Handling drums and barrels can be dangerous.
How should a drum be raised from the ground?
Use mechanical aids whenever possible. Do not attempt to raise a full drum alone.
- context Make sure that the drum is empty before raising it.
- context Stand at the end of the drum.
- context Place one foot forward at the side of the drum, the other behind.
- context Bend your hips and knees.
- context Keep the back straight.
- context Grasp the rim about 15 cm from the ground with the elbows inside thighs.
- context Stand up by thrusting off with the back leg and continuing in an upward and forward direction.
- context Bring the back leg forward as if you are walking. Keep close to the drum.
- context Stop at the balance point to change hand grip.
- context Set the drum on its base by moving back leg forward. Use the body weight as a counter balance.
How should a two-person lift be done?
- context Use two people to lift a full drum.
- context Use the same technique as with one person, but have two people squatting at either side of the drum.
How should a standing drum be moved?
- context Stand close to the drum with feet apart. One foot at the front and the other behind.
- context Keep knees slightly flexed.
- context Put your hands firmly against upper rim of the drum.
- context Keep arms straight with the elbows "locked".
- context Rock the drum gently to get the feel of its contents before you move it.
- context Push the top of the drum away by extending the back leg and shifting your body weight onto your front leg.
- context Stop tilting the drum at the balance point. Use back leg as a counter balance.
- context Use a drum-tilting lever for up-ending filled drums that reduces the effort required to move such drums manually.
- context Use a tilting drum stand to move emptied barrels and drums.
Should drums be lifted manually when they are stacked?
No. Always use cranes or lift trucks to stack drums.
- context Fact sheet confirmed current: 2026-04-08