According to Australian Forklift Training , there are two options to carry drums safely with a forklift truck, which include stacking the drums onto a pallet and using some sort of drum attachment on the forklift.
Many operators either use bare fork arms to lift 44 gallon drums or put some sort of chain or sling over the forks illegally and attempt the lift.
Usually they put the forks together to catch the lip of the drum and attempt to lift it from the truck, or will throw a chain or sling over the forks.
Australian Forklift Training discuss ways to lift drums using forklift trucks. Small 20 litre drums should be stacked onto a pallet and shrink wrapped for transport.
Large 44 gallon drums must be either lifted on a pallet or with the use of a proper drum type attachment.
There are various drum attachments that can be purchased for different forklifts, from simple quick fitting ones, to rotating and tipping types that can be mounted to the forklift permanently. Either way, only approved lifting equipment can be used.