Follow These Easy Steps to Stay Safe when Using Safety Cans Outdoors
- By Dan Carver
- Sep 12, 2018
- 0 Comments

Are safety cans okay for outdoor use? This question comes up often. The answer is definitely yes. But, understand the risks and mitigate them. Precautions to take when using safety gas cans outdoors:
Outdoor Risk | Reason | Safety Steps When Using Safety Cans Outdoors |
---|---|---|
High Temperature | High temperature causes pressure to build up in the fuel container. The safety gas can is designed to vent once the pressure valve rating reaches 3 to 5 psi. But, pressure below 3 psi can still be too high, if the pressure is not relieved safely for use. It may also cause material loss, if the content within the can reaches its boiling point. |
|
Sudden cooling from high to low temperature | Certain climates, such as deserts, experience extreme variances in temperature. When the temperature drops at night, the pressure inside the safety gas can also drops, forming a vacuum. In rare cases, this vacuum can implode the safety can. |
|
Punctures or dents | Outdoor environments are harsh on safety fuel containers. Sharp rocks or side impacts can damage safety can bodies. |
|
Transport | Safety gas cans may move around the vehicle causing spills or damage. They may also heat up excessively if left in a confined space. |
|
Bonus Tips for Using Safety Cans Outdoors
While many of these precautions apply whether you are using your safety fuel containers indoors or outdoors, the risks are often higher outdoors. Following the steps above along with the best practices below help minimize chances of an incident:
- Always allow equipment (such as pumps, etc.) to cool before refueling.
- Always use proper grounding and bonding techniques when dispensing fuels with a flashpoint below 100 F. The metal flexible nozzle on Type II safety cans offer quick bonding between containers.
Order Your Safety Gas Can from Justrite Today
Justrite safety cans provide the safety features to store, dispense and transport gasoline and other products. Browse our catalog of options here and order your Type I, Type II or DOT safety cans today.