Liquid drum storage for oil Do's and Don'ts
1. Do keep bungs drawn down tight. Do use a bung wrench to make sure. Don't forget to replace bungs. Don't put them in only finger tight.
2. Do store drums inside whenever possible. Warm storage in winter is preferable.
3. If drums must be stored outside:
a. Do lay drums on their sides with the bungs below the level of liquid so that seals cannot dry out (the rubber seal on the bungs prevents airborne moisture contaminations);
b. Do store drums with bungs facing down instead of bungs facing up; or
c. If drums cannot be laid on their sides or upside down, tilt them slightly using a 2" x 4" board on the bottom edge to prevent water accumulation across the complete head of the drum; be sure to align bungs parallel to the 2" x 4".
d. If drums must be stored bungs up outdoors, do use drum covers (these may be obtained from companies listed under "Barrel and Drums - Equipment and Accessories" in the Yellow Pages of the Telephone Directory).
e. Don't stand drums in long-term storage directly on the ground, they should be raised so that air can circulate beneath and around them. Such a practice reduces rusting.
f. Prolonged unprotected drum storage leads to obliteration of the markings and eventually to rusting of the outside surfaces and potential product contamination. Before this occurs, do use "magic marker" or similar device to remark the drums.
4. Where drums are stacked, do use a rack to allow "first in, first out" usage and prevent lower drums from remaining undisturbed for years.
5. Do arrange for frequent turnover of drummed stock.
6. Do check for leaking drums periodically.
