Aerosol Can Storage and OSHA Regulations

Aerosol cans are a standard fixture in warehouses, manufacturing centers, and industrial sites. The regulations pertaining to aerosol cans are complicated. Typically, it is not the contents of an aerosol can that are considered hazardous, but the propellants used to spray the contents of the can.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an aerosol is considered a Category 1 flammable liquid if it contains flammable propellants identified by the criteria for flammable aerosols. Because so many aerosols use flammable propellants, it is best to assume that all aerosol cans in a facility will be considered flammable by OSHA. This presumptive approach to aerosol can storage will protect a facility from any possible violations in the event of an inspection.

The proper storage of aerosol cans not only protects a facility from a potential citation but can help to keep staff and assets safe. To help your facility better prepare for OSHA inspections, here is a look at some of the most common OSHA violations related to aerosol cans.

The Most Common Aerosol Can Violations

If aerosols in your facility are considered a Class 1 flammable liquid by OSHA, they are subject to the storage requirements outlined by 1910.106(d)(3). The maximum storage capacity for a Class 1 flammable liquid is 60 gallons in a single storage container.

This means that if OSHA inspects your facility and they determine that aerosol cans used in your operations are, in fact, Class 1 flammables, then your facility could be cited for improper storage if they are not kept in a flammable liquid storage cabinet.

Section CFR 1910.106(e)(2) even specifies that if aerosol cans are only incidental to your operations, you could still be fined for improper storage. As defined by OSHA, the term “incidental” means that the substance is not integral to your facility’s operations. 

In the case of “incidental” usage, 1910.106(e)(2)(i) and (ii) still require that these substances be stored in the same manner outlined in section 1910.106(d)(3). This means that even if your facility has aerosol cans that aren’t integral to your business, OSHA still requires that they be stored as hazardous materials.

Find the Equipment You Need to Avoid Citation

Justrite is the industry leader in workplace safety equipment. Our storage safety cabinets are designed to keep personnel safe and to satisfy OSHA and NFPA requirements. Contact a product specialist today and find the equipment that is right for you.

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