When transferring hazardous substances, employees (and employers) must be extremely cautious, following the framework designed to protect workers from dangerous and unsafe substances in the workplace.
Speaking specifically, controlling substances hazardous to health, also known as COSHH, requires employers to identify potential hazards, assess risks, and implement measures to minimise harm. But how do you do it properly?
The answer is simple: with COSHH-compliant equipment that is instrumental for safely handling and storing hazardous substances. This is where COSHH-compliant drum trucks come into the bigger picture. Let's look closely at it.
Essential features of COSHH-compliant drum trucks
From the material perspective, COSHH-compliant drum trucks are usually designed with durable materials like powder-coated tubular steel or polyethene. This provides more strength and resistance to corrosion, which, in turn, ensures longevity and safety in chemical environments.
Many drum trucks also have bunded designs to capture spills. What does it mean? In simple words, such trucks include integrated sumps (or basins) that prevent liquids, including chemicals, from reaching the surroundings. This is one of the key compliances with COSHH regulations.
Plus, drum holding mechanisms – usually clips or straps – ensure that drums are firmly in place during transportation. This way, carriers reduce the risk of accidents and spills.
Safety is one of the critical aspects of choosing drum trucks. For example, ergonomic handles are designed to reduce strain on workers during handling and transport. In simple terms, such an addition allows us to move quickly and have everything under control. Then, there is fork compatibility, which also allows educational movement over long distances without risks of manual handling.
Types of COSHH-Compliant Drum Trucks
Depending on the use case, different types of OSHH-compliant drum trucks are available – manual drum trolleys, forklift drum clamps, spill carts and bunded trolleys, and multi-drum bunded trolleys.
For instance, manual drum trolleys are usually used for small-scale operations where manual handling is necessary. That's why you often find ergonomic handles and secure drum mechanisms. From the material perspective, they are made from powder-coated steel or polyethylene.
As you might have guessed from the name, forklift drum clamps are designed for use with forklifts. In this case, the clams are secured to drums, often allowing for automatic engagement. They are made from steel or plastic and are mostly used in large-scale operations in industrial warehouses or manufacturing facilities.
On the other hand, spill carts and bunded trolleys are equipped with integrated sumps or bunds to capture spills, provide secondary containment, and prevent environmental contamination. Because of this, they are made from polyethylene and are used to transport hazardous substances to chemical plants or laboratories.
Lastly, multi-drum bundled trolleys are designed to transport multiple drums at once while maintaining spill containment. These trolleys are ideal for operations requiring the movement of several drums simultaneously. The most common use case is transportation to industrial shortage facilities or chemical distribution centers.
Choosing the right truck
The first step in choosing the right ruck is to understand its purpose and ensure its compliance with COSHH regulations (which enhance workplace safety). The second step is to conduct a risk assessment that will help determine potential hazards associated with drum handling — spills, leaks, or manual stream.
Then, consider the terrain over which the drum will be moved and the distance involved. For instance, forklift-compatible options may be more suitable for longer distances and rough terrains.
Remember safety features, like COSHH regulations, and materials made to last, such as steel, to prevent contamination and ensure longevity. Plus, ensure that your employees are trained on the proper use and maintenance of the chosen drum truck to utilise it to the maximum.