Sampling Drum and Container Contents
Drums are usually opened and sampled in place during site investigations. However, remedial and emergency operations may require a separate drum opening area.
Sampling containers and drums must be done using an approved sampling procedure which is part of the site safety and health plan developed for and available to employees and others at the specific worksite.
Drum sampling can be hazardous to worker health and safety because it can involve direct contact with unidentified wastes. Before collecting samples, a sampling plan should be developed, including:
- research about the waste;
- identification of drums to be sampled;
- selection of appropriate sampling device(s) and container(s);
- determination of the number, volume, and locations of samples to be taken; and
- development of procedures for opening drums, sampling, and sample packaging and transportation.
A trained health and safety professional should determine the appropriate personal protection to be used during sampling, decontamination, and packaging of the sample.
Use the techniques below to increase worker safety during manual sampling from a drum:
- Never stand on drums. Never!
- Keep sampling personnel at a safe distance while drums are being opened and only sample after opening operations are complete;
- Do not lean over other drums to reach the drum being sampled, unless absolutely necessary;
- Cover drum tops with plastic sheeting or other suitable uncontaminated materials;
- Use mobile steps or another platform to achieve the height necessary to safely sample from the drums; and
- Obtain samples with glass rods or vacuum pumps.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-7. Which action is required before drum samples are collected?
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