Tag: post diploma in industrial safety

As far as possible, avoid use of non-metallic drums for flammable materials. Following care shall be taken during use of such drums.
(a) Avoid rubbing the drum with any form of clothing or cloth.
(b) When filling or discharging the contents, the filling/discharge nozzle should be earthed.
(c) The contents of the drum can become charged by splashing and therefore it is best to fill the drum with the nozzle discharge as close to the bottom of the drum as possible.
(d) When handling the drum after filling, rough handling should be avoided to minimize splashing.
(e) Any insulated conductors in the immediate area of the drums should be earthed. This is very important and applies to any metal object which might come into contact with the drum. Tab seals, spanners etc. must not be left on the drum when filling or emptying since they might acquire charge from the drum and discharge with a greater incendive energy than would the drum itself.
(f) If powder or pellets are filled in non-metallic drum or container, put the earthed metallic rod in the drum. During filling, if possible, this rod shall be moved within the product. This is to ground the charge. Movement during filling will avoid accumulation of charge during filling.