Drum Stands

About Drum Stands

Drum stands, dollies and cradles are essential workshop and industrial equipment designed to safely store, transport and dispense liquids from standard 205-litre drums. These robust handling solutions allow tradespeople and facilities managers to move heavy drums with ease whilst maintaining proper workplace safety standards. Whether you're working with oils, lubricants, chemicals or other liquids, a quality drum stand provides a stable, ergonomic platform that reduces the risk of spills and manual handling injuries.

Most drum stands are engineered to accommodate standard 205-litre (45-gallon) steel drums, featuring heavy-duty steel construction with powder-coated finishes for durability in demanding workshop and industrial environments. Drum dollies typically feature castor wheels for mobility around the workshop, whilst drum cradles hold drums at an angle for controlled dispensing. Many models include integrated spill containment features to comply with HSE guidelines and COSHH regulations, helping businesses maintain safe working practices when handling potentially hazardous liquids.

Quality drum handling equipment from trusted brands like Sealey and Draper not only improves workplace efficiency but also demonstrates compliance with health and safety requirements. By investing in proper drum storage and handling solutions, you're protecting both your workforce and your premises from costly spills and potential injuries associated with manual drum handling.

Jargon Buster

• Drum Dolly: A wheeled platform with raised edges designed to support a 205-litre drum in an upright position, allowing easy transportation around the workshop or warehouse without manual lifting.
• Drum Cradle: A tilting frame that holds a drum at an angle (typically 45 degrees), making it easier to dispense liquids via the drum's tap or bung without requiring pumping equipment.
• Spill Tray/Bund: A containment vessel that sits beneath drums to catch any drips, leaks or spills, preventing contamination of workshop floors and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• Load Capacity: The maximum weight a drum stand can safely support, typically ranging from 300kg to 500kg to accommodate full 205-litre drums plus the weight of the liquid contents.
• COSHH Compliance: Meeting the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations, which require proper storage and handling of chemicals and hazardous liquids in UK workplaces.
• Castor Wheels: Swivel wheels fitted to drum dollies, often featuring brakes to secure the drum in position once moved to the desired location.

Who Uses Drum Stands?

Drum stands and handling equipment are indispensable tools across numerous trades and industries:

• Vehicle Mechanics and Auto Workshops: For storing and dispensing engine oils, brake fluids, coolants and lubricants
• Manufacturing Facilities: Managing industrial lubricants, hydraulic fluids and process chemicals
• Plant Operators and Maintenance Engineers: Handling oils and fluids for heavy machinery servicing
• Agricultural Workers: Storing and dispensing diesel, hydraulic oils and agricultural chemicals
• Facilities Managers: Maintaining heating oil supplies and cleaning chemicals for commercial buildings
• Warehouse and Logistics Operations: Moving and storing bulk liquid supplies efficiently
• Industrial Cleaners: Managing large quantities of cleaning chemicals and detergents
• Construction Site Managers: Handling fuels, oils and site chemicals in compliance with safety regulations

How to Choose the Right Drum Stands

Selecting appropriate drum handling equipment depends on several key factors:

Intended Use: Determine whether you need mobility (drum dolly), dispensing capability (drum cradle), or static storage. If you regularly move drums between locations within your workshop, a dolly with smooth-rolling castors is essential. For dispensing applications, a cradle provides the correct angle for controlled pouring or pumping.

Load Capacity: Ensure the drum stand's rated capacity exceeds the combined weight of your drum and its contents. A full 205-litre drum of oil can weigh 250kg or more, so look for units rated to at least 300-350kg for a safety margin.

Spill Containment: Consider models with integrated spill trays or purchase separate bunding equipment to comply with environmental and HSE regulations. This is particularly crucial when handling oils, chemicals or any COSHH-regulated substances.

Wheel Configuration: Drum dollies with four or five castor wheels provide better stability and manoeuvrability. Braking castors are essential for securing the drum in position during dispensing operations.

Build Quality: Look for heavy-gauge steel construction with protective powder coating to resist corrosion from chemical exposure. Reputable brands like Sealey and Draper offer proven durability in professional workshop environments.

Workshop Space: Consider the footprint of the drum stand and ensure you have adequate clearance for manoeuvring wheeled models through doorways and around equipment.

Popular Accessories

Enhance your drum handling setup with these complementary products:

• Spill Trays and Bunds: Additional containment capacity for multi-drum storage areas
• Drum Pumps: Hand or electric pumps for controlled dispensing of oils and chemicals
• Drum Taps and Bungs: Replacement fittings for easier liquid access and pouring
• Absorbent Materials: Spill kits, absorbent pads and granules for managing accidental releases
• Drum Funnels: For safe transfer of liquids from drums to smaller containers
• Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and aprons when handling hazardous liquids
• Workshop Flooring Protection: Anti-slip mats and protective floor covering for high-traffic drum storage areas
• Waste Oil Containers: For environmentally compliant disposal of used oils and fluids

Safety Information

Proper use of drum stands is crucial for workplace safety and regulatory compliance:

Manual Handling: Never attempt to lift or tip full 205-litre drums manually. Always use appropriate mechanical handling equipment such as drum dollies or cradles. Follow HSE manual handling guidelines to prevent back injuries and workplace accidents.

Spill Prevention: Ensure drum stands are positioned on level, stable flooring away from heat sources and ignition points. Use spill trays or bunds beneath all drums containing oils, chemicals or hazardous substances to comply with COSHH and environmental protection regulations.

Load Limits: Never exceed the manufacturer's stated load capacity. Overloading drum stands can lead to structural failure, resulting in dangerous spills and potential injuries.

Secure Positioning: Always engage wheel brakes on drum dollies before attempting to dispense liquids. Ensure drums are properly seated and secure before moving them.

Chemical Compatibility: Verify that your drum stand materials are compatible with the substances being stored. Some aggressive chemicals may require specialist containment equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size drums do these stands accommodate?
Most drum stands, dollies and cradles are designed specifically for standard 205-litre (45-gallon) steel drums, which are the industry-standard size for bulk liquids in the UK. Always check the product specifications to confirm compatibility with your drum dimensions.

Do I need spill containment for oil drums?
Yes, HSE and environmental regulations require spill containment when storing oils and other potentially polluting substances. A spill tray or bunded area must have sufficient capacity to contain at least 110% of the largest drum's contents, or 25% of total storage capacity for multiple drums.

Can drum dollies be used outdoors?
Whilst quality drum dollies feature powder-coated finishes that offer some weather resistance, they're primarily designed for indoor workshop use. Outdoor storage requires additional protection and should comply with specific environmental regulations regarding bunding and weather protection.

How do I move a full 205-litre drum safely?
Use a drum dolly with secure castor wheels and, if available, a handle for controlled movement. Ensure the drum is properly centred on the dolly before moving. Never rush or attempt to move drums on uneven surfaces. For loading drums onto dollies, consider using a drum lifter or forklift attachment.

What's the difference between a drum dolly and a drum cradle?
A drum dolly keeps the drum upright and focuses on mobility, allowing you to transport drums around your workshop. A drum cradle tilts the drum at an angle specifically for dispensing liquids, making it easier to access taps or pour contents without requiring a pump. Many workshops benefit from having both types for different applications.