Securing Drums & IBCs for Transport: Palletising and Strapping Chemical Loads

Drums and IBCs (intermediate bulk containers) carry liquids and chemicals where a shifted, toppled or punctured container is not just a loss — it can be a leak, a contamination event, or a dangerous-goods incident. Securing them is a safety-critical task with specific methods. Here is how it is done.

Why drums and IBCs need careful securing

• Heavy and liquid-filled — the contents shift inside, adding dynamic load and a tendency to tip.
• Round (drums) — they roll if not contained.
• High consequence — a breach can mean a spill, environmental harm, and regulatory exposure under dangerous-goods rules.
• Stacking limits — IBCs and drums have defined safe stacking heights.

Palletising drums

• Use a pallet rated for the heavy liquid load (a single 200-litre drum is ~200+ kg).
• Arrange drums in a stable pattern (commonly four per standard pallet) so they support each other and do not roll.
• Keep within safe stack heights.

Palletising IBCs

• IBCs are usually built on an integrated pallet base; place them squarely and within stacking limits.
• Ensure the cage and base are sound — a damaged IBC is a leak risk.

Securing to the pallet

Drums and IBCs must be anchored to the pallet so they cannot shift or topple:

• Strap the drums/IBC down to the pallet base so the load is one stable unit — vertical strapping that ties the containers to the deck.
• Apply consistent, controlled tension — firm enough to immobilise heavy liquid-filled containers, without deforming drum walls. A calibrated machine such as the ErgoPack 726X applies a set, repeatable tension and routes the strap under the pallet automatically; the GO and 700 automate the routing.
• Use edge/top protection where straps cross drum rims.

Dangerous goods and documentation

• Follow dangerous-goods (IMDG / ADR / national) packing and securing rules where the contents require it.
• Label and placard correctly; keep the documentation with the load.
• For sea export, manage moisture and use compliant wood (ISPM-15).

Drum / IBC securing checklist

• Pallet rated for the heavy liquid load
• Drums in a stable, non-rolling pattern; IBC base sound
• Within safe stacking heights
• Containers strapped down to the pallet at consistent tension
• Top/edge protection where straps cross rims
• Dangerous-goods rules, labels and placards as required
• Documentation with the load; ISPM-15 wood for export

Palletise and strap drums and IBCs to this standard and a heavy, liquid, high-consequence load travels as one stable unit — no rolling, no toppling, no leak.