Drums
A 200-litre drum will float approx 100kg at 50% depth. An average Scout with kit weights about 100kg. How much will your structure weigh?
Ensure that you have sealed all the caps on your drums and that your drums are watertight.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) have requested that judges inspect drums prior to building them into the rafts so we don’t accidentally spill oil or pesticide into the lake.
They recommend teams purchase unused drums or use a commercial company to clean second-hand drums.
A petrol drum is ok once the petrol has evaporated off, and many farmers have been trained in how to clean their pesticide drums but don’t attempt it yourself.
A diesel or oil drum should be cleaned by a professional because the waste water from washing must not be released into the storm water or sewage systems.
You can find commercial cleaning companies in the Yellow Pages under “Oil & Chemical Spill Recovery or Dispersal”
You can buy clean drums from:
Paramount Browns
CAVAN SA 5094
Tel: 08 8260 6333
The plastic 200 litre drums were on special for $19 when we checked (normally $32). There were also steel drums on special for $15 but the top only clipped on, so you might want to weld them shut. The plastic drums have a screw on lid and would be useful to transport other gear, eg ropes and tools.
The sample design requires 14 drums, so we recommend fundraising or sponsorship.
In 2012, the event crew were able to obtain drums for several teams. Please contact us if you need drums.
We were also asked about using 1000 litre bulk storage containers. Sorry, we won’t accept them.