38
OLD FAITHFUL STEEL DRUMS • ISDI HAS RELEASED A NEW WEBINAR INTENDED TO PROVIDE INDUSTRY PERSONNEL WITH A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF STEEL DRUM MANUFACTURE AND USE STEEL DRUMS ARE a cornerstone of the dangerous goods industry and often the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of industrial packaging. However, just because they have been a solid staple for generations does not mean that members of the industries that use them should become complacent when it comes to drum knowledge. To combat any gaps in knowledge surrounding the variety of steel drums, the Industrial Steel
THE STEEL DRUM’S BENEFITS MEAN IT REMAINS ONE OF THE STAPLE MEANS OF MOVING DANGEROUS GOODS SAFELY
Drum Institute (ISDI) has unveiled Steel Drums 101, a technical webinar to provide viewers with a high-level understanding of this essential industrial packaging option. The ISDI, formerly known as the Steel Shipping Container Institute (SSCI), is a North American non-profit trade association representing manufacturers of steel drum containers in the US, Canada and Mexico. LEARNING IS KEY The Steel Drums 101 webinar is based on a 50-slide presentation that discusses the unique components of steel drums. The conversation touches on facets such as the difference
between open-head and tighthead drums; what it is about their properties that make steel drum options so versatile, sustainable and safe; and how to read UN and other markings. Being able to fully understand these markings is essential for participants to be able to learn about the performance standards and develop accurate and safe use techniques for drums for the plethora of materials that can be stored and transported in them. The webinar also highlights that steel is one of the most recyclable materials available, showcasing its importance in combatting waste and environmental impacts across the industry. According to the ISDI webinar, 23 million steel drums are reconditioned or remanufactured for reuse each year. Participants will learn in detail about how these drums are manufactured, painted and lined to properly transport and store the variety of materials they could potentially contain. “As one of the most widely used types of industrial packaging for non-hazardous and hazardous goods, due to their strength, durability and unparalleled safety record, steel drums play a critical role in storing and transporting valuable resources around the world,” explains Susan Nauman, executive director of ISDI. “This webinar is an important tool that those interested in steel drums as a packaging solution, as well as those new to the industry, can use to quickly understand the value of this product.” Finally, the presentation rounds out with an explanation on the capabilities and safety advantages of steel drums that are equipped with fusible plugs. Being able to fully understand the safety mechanisms and design features of steel drums is pivotal knowledge for users to be aware of, particularly in the event of an emergency when they may be called upon to monitor a situation. ISDI’s end goal is to promote the common interests of its members through government relations, technical research, education and information exchange, media relations and marketing programmes and this new webinar is a key tool in reaching these targets. whysteeldrums.org
HCB MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2019
