Flammable liquids—such as diesel, gasoline, or oil—are used in many industries. The regulatory oversight of these materials is multifaceted and complex. To protect personnel and avoid fines resulting from citations, facilities that frequently employ flammable liquids in their operations should be aware of the standards for proper storage, use, and transportation of these substances.

One component of the proper use of flammable liquids is safety cans. A safety can—as defined by 1910.106(a)(29)—refers to a container with no more than a 5-gallon capacity that features a spring-closing lid and a spout cover to prevent ignition. Not only will these specially designed containers enable your facility to achieve regulatory compliance, but they will also protect assets and staff from potential harm.

To help you find the flammable liquid storage options that are right for your facility, here is a look at the most common flammable liquid violations regarding safety cans and the products that can help you achieve compliance.

The Most Common Flammable Liquids Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes an annual report identifying the most frequently cited serious violations in general industry. In its FY2025 report, OSHA identified a violation of 29 CFR 1910.106, which regulates flammable liquids, among the most frequently cited serious violations within the Hazardous Materials standards.

Specifically, 1910.106(e)(6)(ii), which addresses the transfer of flammable liquids, received 31 citations in FY2025. The regulation requires Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, as well as Category 3 liquids with a flashpoint below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, to be transferred only through a closed piping system, from safety cans, by an approved device drawing through the top of the container, or by gravity through an approved self-closing valve. When transferred from one container to another, the nozzle and container must also be electrically interconnected.

These requirements are intended to address hazards that can occur when flammable liquids are dispensed or transferred. Proper dispensing equipment and electrical interconnection help facilities control ignition risks associated with flammable vapors and static electricity.

For facilities that store and dispense flammable liquids, using appropriate safety cans and following OSHA's requirements for transferring liquids can therefore play an important role in both workplace safety and regulatory compliance.

Using Safety Cans to Avoid Citations

Using proper safety cans to store flammable liquids will enable facilities to avoid non-compliance citations. Justrite offers a range of safety cans that are specifically designed to comply with OSHA and NFPA requirements.

In order to avoid non-compliance citations, it is important to store hazardous chemicals in the proper containers. Type I and Type II safety cans from Justrite are manufactured to satisfy regulations. 

Type I safety cans and Type II safety cans feature self-closing lids and a leak-proof construction that will prevent contents from being inadvertently exposed to ignition sources. Justrite has an extensive selection of products designed to satisfy OSHA storage regulations, take a look at our safety can inventory and find the product that is right for you.

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