Drum It Up

STEEL DRUM INDUSTRY NEWS, TRENDS AND ISSUES

Archive for February, 1999

Ask The DOT

February 9th, 1999 by Michael Schulte

Filed under: DOT/UN

Many customers telephone our Customer Service Department asking for recommendations on proper drumming specifications for their products. Because our Service Representatives are experts in drum specifications and not chemical properties, we recommend that these callers be directed to call the DOT INFORMATION HOT-LINE at 1–800–467–4922. DOT representatives are available and trained to guide chemical packagers through the delicate package selection process. Proper package selection not only reduces in transit damage risk but also eliminates improper packaging violation fees.

Air Transport Violation Found

February 9th, 1999 by Howard Skolnik

Filed under: HazMat, Industry News

A Miami-based air transport company pleaded guilty to knowingly offering hazardous materials to an air carrier. The freight forwarder was accused of intentionally loading pallets of hazardous materials including flammable liquids, paints and solvents, and concealing the contents to the air carrier. The company will pay a criminal fine totaling more than $100,000, and thanks for the action of the FAA, a potentially fatal flight was averted.

And What If It Won‘t Close?

February 9th, 1999 by Howard Skolnik

Filed under: DOT/UN

Containers manufactured to be United Nations (UN) or DOT certified must be accompanied by manufacturer specific Closure Instructions. These instructions indicate the process which a filler must follow in order to properly secure the container in accordance with the Testing Process. Torque, dimensional measurements and visual safeguards are a part of each closure technique. However, it is the responsibility of the filler to not only follow these instructions, but also to REJECT a container that does not appear to be properly closed. A drum torqued at more or less than the prescribed foot pounds, a ring gap greater than or less than the specified distance, or gaskets which appear not to be properly seated onto the bead, should be rejected and returned to the manufacturer. Just as the UN and DOT expects each filler to close a drum properly, they also expect the filler to respect safe transportation guidelines and reject drums which cannot be correctly secured.