Drum securing for professional load securing of drums

Drum securing & drum lashing systems

Unsecured drums can pose a significant risk to cargo, other road users, and the environment during transport, especially if they contain hazardous materials. Effective drum securing is therefore essential. Transport securing is legally mandated by the German Road Traffic Regulations (Section 22, Cargo), and the necessary equipment (lashing straps, drum covers, strapping bands) and their use are explicitly described in various regulations of the Association of German Engineers (VDI, e.g., Guideline 2700), European standards (e.g., DIN EN 12195), and regulations of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) and the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV Regulation 70/BGV D29). These regulations specify how drums must be secured using drum covers, lashing straps, and tensioning straps, and what the required specifications for the securing materials are. The transport securing must be carried out using lashing straps and ratchets in such a way that barrels on the loading platform cannot roll, slip or even fall off the load carrier.

Techniques and materials for barrel securing

The shipper, especially when transporting hazardous materials such as acid, should first check that all drum lids are properly closed before loading. Next, a decision must be made regarding the appropriate securing technique. Load securing always depends on the weight, contents, and transport container used. Drums are usually secured individually or in groups on pallets, forming load units. Depending on the weight, various strapping bands, lashing straps, or drum covers with elastic are used. The information regarding tensile strength and the permissible breaking load (LC, lashing capacity) of the straps, which is typically found on the webbing of a lashing strap, must be compared with the actual forces that will occur during transport and have been calculated beforehand.

Lashing straps, edge protectors and drum covers for securing drums during transport

Drum covers are protective hoods equipped with strapping bands and a clamping lock. This securely attaches the drum to the pallet. When securing drums, the use of edge protectors is crucial, as sharp-edged drum lids can damage the strapping materials and covers. Covering drums with a drum cover also provides weatherproof protection against dirt and corrosion of the lids and drum rims. Drums bundled into loading units on Euro pallets can also be secured directly to the load carrier during transport using lashing straps, ratchets, and drum covers. For this purpose, the one-piece or two-piece lashing strap must be equipped with a hook that can be attached to a tie-down point on the truck. Strapping bands are usually made of polyester (PES) or polypropylene (PP). The webbing of lashing straps and ratchet straps is also typically made of polyester (PE) and is available with pointed hooks and ratchets.

Anti-slip mats and dunnage bags for securing drum loads

In addition to the previously described measures for securing liquids in drums during transport, the floor of the trailer or container loading area should always be lined with anti-slip mats before the Euro pallets are loaded. Anti-slip mats increase the coefficient of friction and thus prevent the Euro pallets from slipping. The use of dunnage bags is particularly recommended for securing loads when several pallets of drums are stacked on top of each other. Our dunnage bags close gaps in the container or on the truck and ensure a positive fit between load units to prevent tipping or slippage. The same is highly recommended for transporting canisters, similar containers, or even washing machines for increased safety. Loading personnel must be trained to calculate the centrifugal and frictional forces that occur and, based on these, the necessary securing forces. Training on proper load securing with lashing straps, the calculation of pretensioning forces and coefficients of friction, as well as the functions of load securing equipment, is mandatory for loading personnel and truck drivers.

Materials for the safe transport of barrels are available in our online shop.

In our shop you will find all the products needed for load securing, transport securing and drum securing. Our certified lashing straps and webbing made of plastic are available at a competitive price in various widths and lengths.