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Justrite FAQs Answered by Experts

Justrite has been improving your safety programs for over 100 years. Here you'll find answers to often asked questions about Justrite's products and standard industry codes. All FAQs are evolving and will be updated periodically to reflect the latest information we have regarding Justrite products and how they meet various industry standards, including OSHA, FM, EPA, NFPA and more.

If there is something you're looking for that is not addressed here, please let us know so we can better meet your needs.

FAQ documents are arranged according to the Justrite product categories below. Share what you learn, and help everyone enjoy a safer, more productive working environment.

California Proposition 65 Compliance Statement

Hazardous Material Storage Cabinets

Designed in accordance with the latest NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and IFC (International Fire Code) standards, Justrite’s exclusive hazardous material safety cabinets ensure full regulatory compliance when storing hazardous materials. The improper use and storage of hazardous materials can be a source of fires, explosions, corrosion, toxicity, and contamination accidents. Taking proactive measures to prevent an accident is the best approach, and it begins by using the correct storage equipment, handling techniques, and compliant labeling.

What do hazardous material storage cabinets do?

The NFPA and the IFC have adopted regulations that specify how to properly store hazardous materials. Justrite’s commitment to safety, by providing products in sync with evolving industry demands, led us to create products for our customers to maintain compliance with applicable regulations. An industry first, Justrite’s hazardous material safety cabinets comply with NFPA 1 Fire Code and IFC regulations concerning the storage of hazardous materials. For more details surrounding these requirements, see our TechTALK, Hazardous Material Safety Cabinets – The Regs.

Are hazardous material storage cabinets new?

Laws such as those driving these requirements are typically enforced once the jurisdictional authorities become aware of them. This takes time. Your local jurisdiction may not be fully aware and/or enforce the latest edition of these regulations yet. Best safety practices follow a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to compliant hazardous material storage.

What chemicals can you store in hazardous material storage cabinets?

These cabinets are intended to store corrosive solids and liquids, flammable solids, organic peroxide formulations, oxidizer solids and liquids, pyrophoric solids and liquids, toxic or highly toxic solids and liquids, unstable (reactive) solids or liquids, and water-reactive solids or liquids. Always ensure that incompatible materials are stored in separate cabinets, and consult your local code authority for any other items in question.

What chemicals are never stored in a hazardous material storage cabinet?

Do not use hazardous material cabinets to store pressurized gas cylinders, cryogenic fluids, or flammable and combustible liquids. For more information on these restricted hazardous material categories, please see NFPA 55 Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code, and NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. Please consult your local code authority for any other items in question.

What if I have a hazardous liquid that is also flammable?

Recognized protocol takes flammable liquid hazard as precedence in the hierarchy of other hazards. In these cases, store the flammable liquid in one of Justrite’s many varieties of flammable safety cabinets, i.e., our yellow safety cabinets. If harsh corrosives are a concern, then the end user has the option of purchasing a polyethylene tray for the shelf to protect against spills.

How are hazardous material storage cabinets different from steel acid or corrosive cabinets?

The physical construction of the hazardous material safety cabinet is similar to Justrite’s current flammable or corrosive (acid) cabinets, including 18-gauge double walled steel with 1.5-inch of insulating air space, 2-inch leakproof sump, and dual vents with flame arresters. The first difference is that the regulations require hazardous material cabinets to have self-closing doors. As a result, manual style doors are not an option in this group. The other difference is in the labeling of the cabinet. Also mandated by code, each cabinet comes with a HAZARDOUS - KEEP FIRE AWAY Haz-Alert™ warning label affixed prominently on the front door of the cabinet. The reflective material is highly visible in fire conditions when illuminated with a flashlight. The second set of labels, while not required by code, provide critical “Right to Know” information for those that come in contact with the cabinet.

Intended to store specific classifications of hazardous materials, the cabinets come with “Acid” and “Base” labels along with eight distinct hazardous material classification labels, including: Pyrophoric, Oxidizer, Self-Reactive, Toxic, Water-Reactive, Corrosive, Flammable Solid, and Organic Peroxide. Designed using pictograms and elements from the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), these labels are included in the packaging, and the customer can select and apply the most appropriate label(s) for their application. They serve a dual purpose in helping the end user properly store and segregate incompatible chemicals, and in the event of an emergency, warn individuals and first responders to heed caution in the proximity of the cabinet.

Outdoor Safety Lockers

Why do I need an outdoor safety locker?

Proper storage and material handling of hazardous materials is critical to facility, property, environmental, and personnel safety. When space is at a premium, or indoor storage is not an option, outdoor safety lockers provide a safe, secure, and weatherproof alternative. Safety lockers are designed to store flammable and combustible liquids, hazardous materials (liquid and solid), hazardous waste, and pressurized cylinders. When storing hazardous materials outdoors, it is important to ensure that the proper spill containment is in place to protect the environment. All lockers have a leakproof sump area at the bottom, designed to prevent any fluids leaking from containers from contaminating surrounding areas.

What standards do your outdoor safety lockers meet?

Justrite builds their lockers to the standards established by FM Global. Justrite lockers are FM-approved and meet EPA & NFPA 30 and NFPA 1 regulations. All electrical is installed in accordance with the NEC 2008 and 2011 editions and include UL Classified electrical accessories.

Why do I need an FM-approved outdoor safety locker?

FM Approvals is a laboratory registered under OSHA's Nationally Recognized Laboratory program which objectively tests property loss prevention products and certifies those that meet rigorous loss prevention standards. FM developed the Class 6049 construction and performance specification to ensure that the lockers conform to NFPA 30 and building code requirements. The FM Approved logo assures you that Justrite's lockers conform to the highest standards and will perform as expected, including wind, snow load, and sump capacity requirements. Many companies mandate the use of FM-approved products for insurance and other reasons.

What are the wind and snow load requirements of outdoor safety lockers?

To receive an approval from FM, lockers must be capable of withstanding, at a minimum, a 90 mph wind load and 40 psf snow load. Lockers are equipped with anchoring plates to help meet wind load requirements.

What are outdoor safety locker sump capacity requirements?

The sump must be leakproof and capable of containing at least 25 percent of the aggregate liquid storage capacity or 100 percent of the largest individual container, whichever is greater. The standard sump is fully integrated into the base of the locker and constructed of heavy gauge steel with leak tight seams. Every sump is tested for leaks before shipping.

Why are the standard, non fire-rated outdoor safety lockers called “Non-Combustible”?

The term, non-combustible refers to the construction of the locker, not the type of chemicals which they are designed to store. According to FM, non-combustible materials are those that, in the form in which they are used and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat. Such materials meet the criteria of ASTME E136.

What size outdoor safety locker do I need?

Typically locker(s) are sized by calculating how many 55-gallon drums are going to be stored in a given location. Justrite offers storage lockers with capacities for 2-, 4-, 6-, 9-, 12-, and 16-drums. Agri-Turf™ models, which are designed to store various size containers, include galvanized shelving and are sized in cubic foot capacities of 52, 105, 205, 296, 387, and 506.

Are custom outdoor safety lockers available?

We have the ability to custom-design lockers and larger buildings to accommodate any type of container, equipment or specialized storage need, including a wide variety of accessories. Please contact a Justrite Business Development Specialist at [email protected] for more information.

How will my outdoor safety locker be shipped?

Lockers with drum capacities of 2, 4, and 6 (52-, 105-, and 206-cu ft) are conveniently and cost-effectively shipped pre-assembled in standard common carrier closed trailers. The larger 9-, 12-, 16-drum (296-, 387-, and 506-cu ft) models, also pre-assembled, will be shipped via a flatbed truck.

How do I receive my outdoor safety locker?

All lockers will need to be offloaded using a forklift or crane. Depending upon the application and equipment available, the larger 16-drum (506-cu ft) model may require multiple forklifts. Lockers have forklift channels on their underside, which should always be used when moving any size unit around. It is important to remember that before moving any lockers, you must ensure that the forklift is rated for the weight of the locker being moved and that its size, position, and center of gravity are considered.

Will I need forklift extensions to receive my outdoor safety locker?

While it is ultimately the responsibility of the onsite project engineer to understand how to properly handle large loads, the following recommendations can be used as a guide when trying to understand what you'll need when the locker arrives.

  • 9 drum (296 cu ft) models and smaller: 48-inch forks or extensions
  • 12 drum (387 cu ft) models: 48-inch to 60-inch forks or extensions
  • 16 drum (506 cu ft) models: 60-inch to 72-inch forks or extensions

Please note that Justrite is not responsible for any problems or damage resulting from these recommendations.

Where can I install my outdoor safety locker?

In order to ensure that all local regulations and property setback requirements are followed, including the appropriate wall/roof rating, please check with your local authority having jurisdiction. Unless otherwise stated, these lockers are not intended for indoor use.

Does my outdoor safety locker need an explosion relief panel?

Explosion relief panels, also referred to as damage limiting construction, are designed to release in the event of an explosion at 20 psf, and are only required for lockers used to store and dispense Class IA liquids and/or dispense Class IB liquids. Panels are sized according to the volume of the locker and are most often placed on the rear and side walls. Additional set-back and placement restrictions apply to lockers with explosion relief panels. Check with the authority having jurisdiction for details.

Note: Per NFPA 30, Class 1A is defined as those liquids that have flash points below 73°F (22.8°C) and boiling points below 100°F (37.8°C), and Class 1B as those liquids that have flash points below 73°F (22.8°C) and boiling points at or above 100°F (37.8°C).

Can multiple chemicals be stored in the same outdoor safety locker?

It is important to identify and inventory all chemicals to be stored, beginning with classifying them according to hazard. A review of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) will determine characteristics and recommended storage practices. Those that are compatible can be stored in the same locker. Care should be taken to store incompatible materials in separate lockers or as required by OSHA. Contact the proper authority having jurisdiction to determine the appropriate solution in the event there are multiple incompatible materials to be stored.

When do I need a fire-rated outdoor safety locker?

Designed to be placed closer to existing structures and/or property set-backs than a non-rated model, fire-rated lockers provide a safe yet convenient storage solution. Check with your local authority having jurisdiction for correct wall/roof rating needed for your particular application.

What makes an outdoor safety locker “fire-rated”?

Fire-rated lockers carry the FM Approval label and have an FM-approved fire-rated wall and roof design, both of which are tested at an independent third party laboratory. To achieve the desired fire-rating, lockers are constructed using multiple layers of fire-resistant gypsum wall board encased between exterior heavy gauge steel and interior heavy gauge galvannealed sheet steel. Available with 2-hour and 4-hour fire ratings, the lockers have walls that are either 2- or 4-hour fire-rated, respectively, and ceilings that are either 1.5- or 3-hour fire-rated, respectively.

In addition, all fire-rated lockers come with self-closing, fire-rated doors, which are third party tested and labeled, and fire damper protected air vents, which are UL Listed. Similar to the walls, the doors and vents on 4-hour fire-rated lockers have a 3-hour rating, and the 2-hour lockers have a 1.5-hour rating. The dampers on the vents are activated by a fusible link in the event of a fire.

How do I store acids or corrosive chemicals in my outdoor safety locker?

For applications that require additional corrosive resistance, a high-density polyethylene sump liner is available as an accessory package with fiberglass grate flooring to replace the standard galvanized steel grate floor. Note: Spills should be neutralized and cleaned up immediately to avoid damage from vapors to the locker.

Do I need a heater for my outdoor safety locker?

A heater will help protect against freezing temperatures and ensure chemical stability. Explosion-proof, wall-mounted, heaters are only available in 6-drum (205-cu ft) lockers or larger due to size restrictions in the smaller units. For optimum temperature control, the heater must be ordered in conjunction with the appropriate size R-11 insulation package.

Do I need air conditioning in my outdoor safety locker?

An air conditioner will help protect against high internal temperatures and ensure chemical stability, especially for liquids with low flash points. Explosion-proof, thru-wall mounted, air conditioners are only available in 6-drum (205-cu ft) lockers or larger due to size restrictions in the smaller units. For optimum temperature control, the air conditioner must be ordered in conjunction with the appropriate size R-11 insulation package.

What types of fire suppression systems can I have installed in my outdoor safety locker?

Justrite offers two types of fire protection. The first is the basic system, which is a BC type, clean agent extinguisher unit that gets mounted to the ceiling. The second is an integral ABC type dry chemical system. The unit is FM approved, UL Listed and has a pull station. The latter is only available on 6-drum (205-cu ft) lockers or larger due to size restrictions. Your choice depends upon the type of material you are storing and the level of protection you require.

What lighting options are available for my outdoor safety locker?

They are available with explosion-proof interior and exterior lighting options. All Agri-Turf™ lockers come standard with a vapor-resistant exterior light and photocell, and all but the 52- and 105-cu ft models come with a dust-proof, interior light and weatherproof switch.

Why do many of the accessories require purchase and installation with the outdoor safety locker?

Most accessories must be purchased in conjunction with a locker. Not only does this ensure that they are installed properly, but in many instances, it is also necessary to retain proper FM approval on the structure. Accessories that fall into this group include fiberglass grating with sump liner, heating, air conditioning, insulation, lighting, mechanical ventilation, and fire protection systems.

Which building codes and construction standards are relevant to outdoor safety lockers?

The following codes are met: IBC, NEC, NFPA 1, NFPA 30, and EPA 40 CFR. The following industry construction standards are met: AWS, AISC, ANSI, ASTM, and FM. The following federal regulations are pertinent: OSHA.

Do outdoor safety lockers need to be grounded?

The grounding kit is used for safe external grounding of the locker against static build-up and lightning strikes. As a best practice, we recommend the lockers be grounded. Justrite offers an optional grounding kit No. 915505, which includes a 5/8-in x 8-ft rod, 6 ft wire, and connector. This kit should be installed by a competent electrician to provide adequate grounding of the unit. When dispensing flammable or combustible liquids, grounding and bonding of containers are required. In such cases, it is important to include the grounded storage lockers in the circuit with containers to ensure a maximum level of protection. One external and multiple internal static grounding lugs come installed on the locker.

Is shelving available for my outdoor safety locker?

Adjustable/removable galvanized steel shelving is available when additional storage space is necessary. When one of the shelving packages is ordered, you'll receive two tiers of a 16-inch deep shelf with a 2-inch lip. Shelves are mounted on brackets to the back wall. Please note that the shelf package for the 2- and 4-drum model lockers will limit the ability to load a locker to full drum capacity. In addition, interior lighting and shelving cannot be ordered together in those models due to size constraints. Shelving cannot be ordered on models with explosion relief panels because panels cannot be covered. All Agri-Turf™ lockers include galvanized shelving as a standard feature. The 52- and 105-cu ft models have 2 shelves on the back wall only, while the larger models have 9 shelves total — 3 tiers of shelves on the back and each side wall.

Do outdoor safety lockers come with a warranty?

Outdoor Safety Lockers are covered by a Fifteen Year Limited Warranty against structural defects and a One Year Limited Warranty against defects in workmanship and materials. Locker accessories not manufactured by Justrite are warranted against defects according to the original manufacturer's warranty.

Safety Cabinets

Can I store containers in the sump of a safety cabinet?

Yes. The specifications on the sump only state it be 2 inches deep and watertight. The minimum volume is not addressed. The sump can give a safe visual indication and contain a leak before it becomes a problem, allowing the users to correct the leaking container, and clean up a spill as quickly as possible. There is nothing in writing from OSHA, NFPA, IFC, FM, or UL to limit the use of the sump on a safety cabinet for storage. That is not to say you could not limit its use for storage as an internal safety policy. An official having jurisdiction (State Fire Marshal, Building Inspector Local Fire Chief, etc.) at your site might discourage using the sump for storage. However, there is nothing otherwise to preclude storage in the sump.

Does a hazardous material storage cabinet’s sump meet EPA requirements?

The sump in a safety cabinet is only required to be 2 inches deep and liquid tight as specified by OSHA US Federal Labor Law, MSHA Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration Law, the NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 1 Fire Code, NFPA 400 Hazardous Material Code, IFC International Fire Code, UL 1275 Safety Cabinet Standard, and FM 6050 Safety Cabinet Standard. The volume capacity of the sump is not included in any of these requirements, though it is assumed one is using only approved containers of integrity. The sump provides a visual indication that one has a container that needs attention.

Many try to apply the EPA 40 CFR Section 264.175 regulations here. But it’s not applicable to the storage of flammable liquids in a safety cabinet. There has been no precedence of the EPA citing safety cabinet customers for a violation of 40 CFR Section 264.175. In fact, the EPA even requires safety cabinets for their own laboratories per NFPA 30 requirements.

Can containers and boxes be stored safely in a safety cabinet?

This question is asked a lot. There is nothing in writing to preclude you from having boxes, papers, etc., in a safety cabinet, but we discourage it. This is an area of best practice not addressed by the law. The standards to which a cabinet is tested limit the internal temperature from exceeding 325°F (163ºC) for 10 minutes in a fire test. This is a conservative temperature below the auto-ignition temperatures of the liquids being stored. It makes sense that packaging, such as boxes, are made of materials with auto ignition temperatures higher than the 325°F (163ºC) too. But, what can be dangerous is if those boxes become soiled with residues of the flammable liquids which in turn give off harmful, ignitable, or hazardous vapors. Additionally, it is important to avoid storing materials and combinations of materials that can spontaneously combust and create a fire inside the cabinet, like oily rags and incompatible materials.

Our vote is on the side of best practices, safety, and tidy housekeeping. We have heard of OSHA inspectors frowning on this practice even in the absence of law.

Can nitric acid be stored in a safety cabinet?

Yes, nitric acid should be stored in a hazardous material cabinet with a label identifying "hazard" inside. Nitric acid is not only an acid but an oxidizer as well. When storing nitric acid, or any corrosives in a cabinet, take special care to neutralize and clean up spills promptly. Use approved containers that are safe closed containers. Containers of nitric acid, or any corrosives, need to be cleaned of residue and may need to be resealed.

Are safety cabinets only placed against walls?

No, our cabinets have been tested and approved as freestanding and can be used in that manner.

If my safety cabinet is a 45-gallon cabinet, why can’t I store 45 gallons in it?

The actual loading of the cabinet depends on the size and shape of the containers you are using, and no uniform industry standard exists. But as an example, a 45-gallon Justrite safety cabinet holds nine (9) 5-gallon safety cans.

How many piggyback safety cabinets can I stack?

We recommend one piggyback tall.

Are flammable or safety cabinets required to have their bung plugs installed?

Yes, it is required to keep the bung caps tightly in place, unless venting. Please reference the TechTALK on Safety Cabinet Venting for further information.

How many gallons will your flammable cabinet’s sump hold?

The specifications on a safety cabinet sump state it has to be 2" deep and watertight. The volume varies on the width and depth of the cabinets. The minimum volume is not addressed anywhere in the regulations. The sump gives a safe visual indication of a leak issue before it spreads outside the cabinet and becomes a bigger problem.

Do I need a self-closing safety cabinet?

Flammable liquid safety cabinets' self-close requirement depends on your state's fire code. Hazardous material safety cabinets are required to be self-closed everywhere. As a best practice, all safety cabinets should be self-closed.

Can I store gasoline and oil in the same safety cabinet?

Yes! OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106(d)(3)(i&ii): Design, construction, and capacity of storage cabinets (i) Maximum capacity. Not more than 60 gallons of Class l or Class ll liquids, nor more than 120 gallons of Class lll liquids may be stored in a storage cabinet.

Is a red safety cabinet required for storing paints and inks?

Any flammable liquids safety cabinet we sell is approved for flammable and/or combustible liquids storage. The red cabinets are ideal for approved smaller containers such as paint cans because they come with an extra shelf. Our classic yellow cabinets can be purchased with an extra shelf if you want to store gallon paint cans efficiently.

Is grounding required for all safety cabinets?

It is necessary to ground a safety cabinet if you are dispensing liquids from container(s) inside the cabinet, and the potential of an ignitable vapor is possible. This is not to preclude one from grounding all cabinets as a best practice. Please see our TechTALK on Safety Cabinet Grounding for further information.

How do I vent a flammable cabinet?

Please see our TechTALK on Safety Cabinet Venting.

Can I see performance data on seismic brackets for safety cabinets?

No, we do not have data on the seismic resistance of our seismic bracket when used to anchor safety cabinets to floor or wall applications. It is our intent that the end user, or the end user’s qualified engineer, evaluates this product for use in the end user's particular application. Evaluations vary widely based on building construction and code requirements. Upon request, we will supply your engineer with a structural data kit on the individual components used in the seismic bracket for their evaluation.

How do I clean spills in the sump of a safety cabinet without a drain plug?

Cabinets should be inspected often and spills should be cleaned up immediately. The 2-inch watertight sump in a safety cabinet is a required feature to minimize the impact of a spill. We do not have a drain plug in the cabinet's sump, because plugs are vulnerable and can be mishandled. Sorbents and rags for absorption are typically used for liquid cleanup.

Can I use sorbents as a spill containment and control method for spills within a safety cabinet?

Due to their absorbent properties, sorbents are not designed for long-term, unattended use in any closed or confined space. Because fluids absorbed by sorbents will not be rendered less hazardous, less toxic, or less flammable when absorbed, sorbents should never be used to line the shelves or sump of a safety cabinet as a preventive measure. Using universal-type socks and pillows that contain a mix of polypropylene and cellulose materials for acids, bases, or other unknown liquids is strictly prohibited. Cellulous may react with some acids that could lead to a fire.

I have a safety cabinet, do I need a hazardous material spill response plan?

No matter if a spill is inside a cabinet or outside a cabinet, each organization that stores, transport, uses, and disposes of hazardous materials should have a hazardous material spill response plan. All precautions should be taken to guard against the material’s hazards; please see the Safety Data Sheets of individual chemicals currently being stored for more information. All responders should know and practice their role. You may need to safely remove and relocate containers from your safety cabinet before beginning the cleanup.

In the event of a spill emergency, materials and equipment needed for a safe clean-up should be readily available. It is very important to ensure sorbents used are compatible with the materials of the spill. An appropriate UN Certified Salvage Drum will be required to collect and transport the hazardous material waste. Spills can be a result of leaking or damaged containers so there should also be an appropriate overpack as required by the UN for the transport of damaged containers of dangerous goods. For more information about hazardous material spill response plans, please visit the OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response standard at OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 at OSHA 20 CFR 1910.120 and seek the advice of professionals.

Does a safety cabinet’s sump need to meet EPA requirements?

The sump in a safety cabinet is only required to be 2 inches deep and liquid tight as specified by OSHA US Federal Labor Law, MSHA Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration Law, the NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 1 Fire Code, NFPA 400 Hazardous Material Code, IFC International Fire Code, UL 1275 Safety Cabinet Standard, and FM 6050 Safety Cabinet Standard. The volume capacity of the sump is not included in any of these requirements, though it is assumed one is using only approved containers of integrity. The sump provides a visual indication that one has a container that needs attention.

Many try to apply the EPA 40 CFR Section 264.175 regulations here. But it’s not applicable to the storage of flammable liquids in a safety cabinet. There has been no precedence of the EPA citing safety cabinet customers for a violation of 40 CFR Section 264.175. In fact, the EPA even requires safety cabinets for their own laboratories per NFPA 30 requirements.

Safety Cans and Containers

Is your oily waste can fire-resistant?

Justrite Oily Waste Cans (OWC) are manufactured of galvanized steel a fire-resistant material as required by OSHA 1926.252(e). But there is more to an OWC design than that. The OWC self-closing lid limits the inside of the OWC of the oxygen that is required to support combustion. The self-closing lid guards the contents against sparks or other heat sources. Oily rags can create an exothermic chemical reaction from the polymerization of oil drying in the absence of air. This is a chemical reaction known to start fires. Always store oily rags in an approved OWC.

Can my oily waste can use poly liner bags?

We discourage the use of liner bags in Oily Waste Cans (OWC). The liner can interfere with the OWC's lid fully closing. A liner can also create a path for an oxygen supply to the bottom of the can. Both conditions defeat the purpose of the self-close lid and its ability to deprive the container of oxygen, which inhibits combustion.

What is the difference between Type I and Type II safety cans?

The Type I Safety Can have one opening that serves for both filling and dispensing. The Type II Safety Can has one opening dedicated to filling and a second spout opening dedicated to dispensing. The Type II Safety Can comes with an attached flexible hose and our exclusive AccuFlow™ manifold with Safe-Squeeze® trigger handle to provide smooth and controlled pouring.

Can I safely transport gasoline inside my vehicle in a safety gas can?

Yes, you can transport a safety can in a vehicle. Important points:

  • Secure safety can from movement.
  • Make sure the vehicle is well ventilated.
  • Do not store a safety can in a vehicle.
  • Take a safety can out of the vehicle when filling or dispensing.
  • Clean any fuel off the safety can before returning it to the vehicle

Are safety fuel cans approved for outdoor use?

You most certainly can use safety cans outdoors. A lot of our customers do. There are some precautions to take with a safety can as well as any other container when outdoors:

  • When temperatures are hot, the vapor pressure in any safety can be elevated. Safety cans are designed for emergency pressure relief, rated at 3 to 5 psi. Still, 3 to 5 psi can be significant. It is important to relieve that pressure in vapor space (while the safety can is set flat) rather than liquid space (when tilted and dispensing liquid) to avoid a sudden burst of fluid and backsplash.
  • When the temperature is warm and there is a sudden cooling, a vacuum in the safety can will be created. There is no vacuum relief valve built into a safety can. While rare and depending on the fluid level in the safety can, the vacuum created can implode a safety can. This is more prevalent in desert locations. There are a couple of things you can do to prevent this:
    Burp your safety cans at the end of the day to relieve pressure. The less difference in pressure, the less likely an implosion will occur.
    Keep your cans shaded or tarped to minimize the temperature gain and pressure gain in the can.
    Keep your safety can fluid level above half full.
  • Keeping your safety can in the shade can also minimize material loss. Gasoline for example will boil at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The pressure escaping is a liquid’s vapor escaping.
  • Always keep a safety can in a well-ventilated area. Never in a closed vehicle or passenger space.
  • Safely secure a safety can against the movement in a vehicle from sudden braking or centrifugal forces.
  • Remember the US DOT’s material of trade rule as it applies to transporting gasoline in the course of performing one’s job; you are allowed a maximum of eight gallons in safety cans (i.e. 4 ea. 2 gal. safety cans).
  • Our metallic safety cans have a raised bottom to protect the bottom from puncture by sharp rocks and reinforcing ribs for resistance against side impacts.

Do you make jerry safety fuel cans?

No, and there are no immediate future plans.

Can I leave the solvent in my plunger can if I store it in a safety cabinet?

No, plunger cans are not designed or intended as a proper storage container. They are not safe closed containers required by law for storage. Plunger cans are for safely dispensing small quantities of liquids, for day use, at point-of-use locations. We recommended plunger cans are emptied into an approved container like a safety can for storage.

Spill Containment & Control and Environmental Considerations

Are your EcoPolyBlend™ spill containment products recyclable?

Yes. However, if EcoPolyBlend™ spill control products have been contaminated with hazardous liquids or materials, they should be properly decontaminated before recycling.

What makes your EcoPolyBlend™ spill containment products eco-friendly?

The EcoPolyBlend™ is twice as good for the environment! This product line is EPA-compliant to protect against ground and water contamination. EcoPolyBlend™ spill control products are manufactured of recycled content, which saves on oil, electricity, and landfill space.

Do I need to ground a poly spill containment pallet for dispensing operations?

We do not use anti-static additives in our poly spill pallets, and we do not consider it as necessary. We urge our customers to use ground or bond wires to all conductive surfaces of the drums stored on the pallets and containers they are transferring the flammable liquids between. We advise our customers to follow the guidelines as outlined by NFPA 77 when dispensing liquids. It is important to ensure good electrical continuity through metal-to-metal contact when attaching the ground wires. With painted products, you may have to remove some of the paint in order to contact the metal. Some ground clamps have cone points or sharp teeth designed to pierce the paint. Wiggle the clamp until you are sure the clamp’s sharp points are through the paint and making contact with the metal. Also, please follow these recommendations: Use commercially available grounding wires. They are hardy and made for industrial service duty. Make sure all connections are secure. Discharge yourself by touching the ground after making connections and before opening containers.

What temperature range are my poly spill containment pallets suitable for?

Our EcoPolyBlend™ products have been tested for a service temperature range between -30 to 120°F (-34 to 49ºC).

How long does my Aerosolv coalescing/carbon filter last?

The carbon filters supplied by Justrite come sealed in a plastic bag and shipped in a cardboard box which eliminates any adsorption into the activated carbon and in the case of the colorimetric filters, UV exposure. Unless the packaging is damaged, there is no reasonable limit to the filter’s shelf life.

There are too many variables to predict the life of a charcoal filter in use. The colorimetric indicator will turn dark indicating the charcoal is saturated and should be replaced.

Does my Aerosolv carbon filter eliminate the need for good ventilation?

Carbon charcoal filters are not a substitute for proper ventilation. Justrite's charcoal filters adsorb VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which is only a part of when and why proper ventilation is required. These filters are only meant as a supplement. You should take all the same precautions as far as toxic, ignitable, corrosive, etc., vapors.

Can I use Prosolv® for calibration cylinders?

Yes. There are many types of calibration gases, and there are even custom gas requests that can be used with Prosolv®. It is important to take the same precautions when using Prosolv® on calibration cylinders as you would in exposing oneself to that calibration gas. Always operate Prosolv® in a well-ventilated area and follow other safety requirements as well. The one restriction is, the Prosolv® will work only with calibration gas canisters that have a ¾" NPT male end (e.g., standard, disposable propane canister).

Other Frequently Asked Questions

What does FM Approval mean?

FM Approval is a laboratory registered under OSHA's Nationally Recognized Laboratory program which outlines the responsibility to evaluate and deem materials and equipment as safe. FM has published standards to which they evaluate each product category as safe and in compliance with laws and applicable design standards. They publish a list of approved products available for public reference. They also conduct periodic quality assurance audits to give customers confidence we are providing products of the same quality and design as the product submitted for approval.

Will modification void the FM Approval and Justrite warranty to a safety cabinet or safety can?

Modifications to any FM Approved products void the approval of that product and the Justrite warranty. The modification falls outside the evaluation for the approval and FM's quality assurance program. Modifications can make a safety product unsafe.

Can you supply an SDS sheet (formally MSDS sheet) on your safety cabinets, cans, or other products?

The cans, cabinets, and most other products manufactured by Justrite are defined as an article and therefore not subject to the requirements of the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazardous Communications Standard 29 CFR per 1910.1200(b)(6)(v) to provide a Safety Data Sheet (Formally MSDS). Upon request, we can supply SDS sheets based on the charcoal content of the charcoal filters we supply.

How do I determine the maximum amount of flammable and combustible liquids I can store?

This is a complex subject and requires intimate building information. Unfortunately, for us to discuss the MAQs (maximum allowable quantities) in a control area without a clear understanding of occupancy, special occupancy, control areas, construction of control areas, sprinkler systems, fire doors, etc., would be out of context and a disservice to you. Visit NFPA 30 at NFPA 30 Online Catalog or consult your local authority having jurisdiction for specific guidance on MAQs in your building's area.

Further Reading