Educational guidance on registers and logs — what each records, who maintains it, what it typically contains and how long it is generally kept. Informational only — template examples, not official documents or legal advice; a register documents activity, it does not by itself prove compliance, and employers remain responsible.
What a drum storage register is
A drum storage register lists the drums, IBCs and containers held on site — of chemicals, oils or waste — with their contents, condition, labelling and the bunding around them, so storage stays safe and leaks are caught before they spread.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — container storage, bunding and segregation rules vary by country and substance.
Purpose
- Record the drums and containers stored and their contents.
- Capture condition, labelling and containment.
- Help keep incompatible contents segregated.
- Support spill prevention and inspections.
Who maintains it
- A store keeper, environmental or site lead keeps it current.
- Deliveries, returns and condition checks trigger updates.
- It is reviewed within the organisation’s own process.
- The employer decides who maintains it and how it is controlled.
When it is used
- When drums are received, used, emptied or removed.
- During condition and bund checks.
- During fire and environmental inspections.
- After a spill or suspected leak.
Typical fields
- Container identifier and its contents.
- Quantity, condition and labelling.
- Storage location and bund or containment.
- Segregation from incompatible contents.
- Check date, findings and sign-off.
- Example columns only — adapt to your storage and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Storing incompatible drums together.
- Leaving drums on bare ground with no bund.
- Keeping corroded or unlabelled drums in use.
- Overfilling a bund so it cannot catch a leak.
Document workflow
A drum storage register works with the substance and waste chains: contents are listed in the chemical, hazardous substance or hazardous waste registers, drums are stored and checked here, and a leak feeds the spill register and environmental-incident records completed afterwards.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after a drum storage entry.
Retention (high level)
A drum storage register is generally kept current while drums are held, with older records retained in line with the employer’s obligations. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
The register is often held in a system and exported to PDF for inspections. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make it official or prove compliance.
Employer checklist
- Store drums on suitable bunding and keep them labelled.
- Segregate incompatible contents.
- Check condition and remove corroded or damaged drums.
- Keep bunds clear so they can catch a leak.
Worker notes
- Return drums to their bunded store and keep them labelled.
- Report corroded, leaking or unlabelled drums.
- Do not store incompatible drums together.
Country considerations
Container storage, bunding and segregation rules vary by country and substance, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not legal advice.
Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for safe container storage, preventing leaks and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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