Determining Drum Integrity
The process of visual inspection requires close contact with drums of unknown content. The safety practices below should be followed to protect workers performing these activities:
- Approach drums cautiously. Conduct air monitoring to indicate levels of hazards that require withdrawal from the work area or use of additional safety equipment.
- Any drum that is critically swollen should not be approached; it should be isolated using a barricade until the pressure can be relieved remotely.
- Use of the grappler or other remotely operated equipment can eliminate the need for determining drum integrity before excavation, provided that rupture of the drum will not result in fire or unacceptable environmental impact.
Classifying Drums and Containers
After visual inspection, drums can be classified into preliminary hazard categories. They can be described as:
- radioactive,
- leaking or deteriorated,
- bulging, and
- explosive or shock-sensitive.
Until their contents are characterized, unlabeled drums should be handled in the same manner as drums that contain hazardous materials. Remember that drums are frequently mislabeled - particularly drums that are reused. Therefore, a drum's label may not accurately describe its contents.
Findings
Results of the drum inspection can be used to determine:
- Whether any hazards are present and the appropriate response; and
- which drums need to be moved before they are opened and sampled.
A plan should be developed specifying the extent of handling necessary and the appropriate procedures for handling. Plans should be revised as new information is obtained during drum handling.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-3. Which type of drums should not be approached?
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