Storage of Empty Containers.

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

ground, and containers should not be stacked so high as

bottom. Cans may be stacked vertically or in pyramids

containers stacked by other methods, unless shoring is

(para 5-48).

placed at ends of each row to prevent stacks from

(b) Stack 55-gallon drums as described

slipping. Filler plugs must be tightened before cans are

in this section, paragraph 4.

stacked.

(c) Stack all containers other than 55-

gallon drums upright.

5-51. Handling Procedure.

(d) When containers are packed in

a. General.

Personnel charged with the

cases, stack cases on pallets or adequate dunnage.

responsibility of loading, unloading, and storage of filled

c. Inspection.

containers will instruct workmen as to the proper method

(1) Inspect stacks periodically for evidence of

of handling. Tearing down a pile by pushing, pulling,

leakage, abnormal swelling or corrosion of containers,

manually, or by the use of powered ground equipment or

and for stability of stacks. If leakage is apparent, locate

dropping a container from either a pile or load will not be

leaking containers and remove from the stack

permitted. When skids are used to ease or expedite

immediately. See that all containers requiring shelter

unloading, the container will be slid down with the plain

are properly covered with fire-retardant tarpaulins or

end first. Care should be exercised to see that a

other suitable materials and adequate ventilation

container is not allowed to strike against another

provided.

because of possible damage and the creation of a

(2) Examine markings frequently to see that

percussion spark which might result in an immediate

they are legible. If illegible and it is economically

fire.

feasible to identify the contents of the container,

b. Handling equipment. When storing petroleum

obliterated markings should be restored.

products, the types and quantities of handling equipment

is determined by the quantity of product stored, location

5-50. Storage of Empty Containers.

and arrangement of storage areas, and the height to

a. General. Empty containers may be stored in

which drums may be stacked. Typical equipment used

open storage. These containers will be protected from

in storing petroleum drums include the following:

mechanical damage and from contamination of interiors

(1) Forklift trucks (see OSHA CFR 29

by dirt, water, and other extraneous matter. Tightly

1910.178(b)).

closed containers will retard interior corrosion to a great

(2) Skids.

degree. New or reconditioned containers received for

(3) Cranes.

storage will have no product markings thereon. These

(4) A-frames.

containers require inspection periodically to ensure their

(5) Conveyors.

usability at all times. Containers evidencing interior or

exterior corrosion should be removed for reclamation.

(6) Empty drum track.

Empty containers previously containing products should

(7) Drum pallets.

be treated as explosion hazards and handled

c. Drum handling attachments, forklift truck.

accordingly prior to reconditioning. Closures should be

(1) Standard types of attachments .

The

tightly closed as an open bung or vent emits hazardous

standard types of attachments used with forklift trucks

vapors for some time after removal of product.

for the handling and storing of commodities in 55-gallon

Uneconomically reparable containers will be salvaged.

drums are shown in chapter 4.

b. Stacking empty 55-gallon drums. Normally,

(2) Construction of attachments. The drum

empty drums will be stacked in the same manner as

handling attachments for use with forklift trucks will be

filled drums or by the method prescribed by each

constructed in accordance with current military

military service.

specification MILD-11303.

The attachments, when

c. Stacking empty 5-gallon cans. Empty 5-gallon

constructed to this specification, will incorporate the

gasoline cans may be stacked by either method

basic operating and safety features necessary for

described in paragraph 5, this section, without regard to

efficient handling of drummed liquids or semiliquids in

height. Occasionally, empty 5-gallon gasoline cans are

55-gallon drums by supply facilities.

strapped side by side in groups of five. Those groups

(3) Utilization. The drum handling attachment

may be placed on pallets with cans resting on their

is used for placing 55-gallon drums into or removing

bases or their sides. Cans strapped into groups may be

from storage. The drums will be picked up from the

stacked vertically without the use of pallets; but dunnage

horizontal position (drums placed on

must always be used between the bottom tier and the

5-94