The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) tracks structural fires caused by hot work. A 2016 report revealed that from 2010 to 2014, hot work caused an average of 4,440 structural fires each year. These resulted in property damage of $287 million and approximately 12 fatalities annually.
Laboratories store and handle different chemicals in their daily operation. Some are flammable and some are corrosive, while others are completely inert. One key to laboratory safety is keeping using chemical containers that minimize the risk of spills, fires and toxic vapors. Carboy containers provide these functions.
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.
Everyone appreciates manicured lawns, beautiful gardens and the smell of fresh cut grass in the summer. Not everyone has the time to devote to yard maintenance. Landscaping and lawn care companies provide this valuable service. They use fuel-powered equipment like lawnmowers, chain saws and blowers daily. But working with gasoline comes with risks of fire and explosion.
Approved safety cans, as required by OSHA, are found in many different industries and facilities. They provide a safe and convenient method of moving, dispensing, or temporarily storing up to 5 gallons of flammable liquids.
We use safety gas cans at home, in the workplace and on job sites. Not all fuel containers are created equal. Industrial safety cans have features like flame arresters and pressure relief valves. Their design helps prevent incidents. Yet, simply using a safety gas can won’t guarantee your safety. Applying best safety practices are also key.
Safety cans are used to safely store and transfer chemicals. But did you know putting an incompatible chemical into a safety container will affect the integrity of the can? Eventually it could rupture causing an incident and potential injuries.
At an airshow in San Diego in 1989, famous test pilot Bob Hoover was entertaining the crowd in his small, piston-powered Shrike Commander plane with a couple thrill-seeking passengers in tow. At about 300 feet off the ground during takeoff, the engine lost all power.
Using a safety can to store and dispense flammable liquids might seem like a minor issue when running a busy waste collection facility. Yet, one company learned the severity of non-compliance the hard way. OSHA cited the company for improper transfer of flammable liquids, along with other unsafe conditions. The penalty? Nearly $300,000 in fines.
