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Safety Can Application Guide




They say that it is important to have the right tool for the job, and this is rarely more true than when applied to safety cans. Safety cans are expected to contain volatile and flammable liquids and to protect users from the contents within. Failure to use the appropriate can has the potential to be a costly mistake. At a minimum, it might result in a fine or damage to your property. At its worst, it might result in injury or even death. For this reason, we have a wide selection of safety cans for our customers and we have developed this guide so that you’ll be able to choose the best safety can for you. You’ll be able to utilize your new can confidently, knowing that it was the optimal choice for your needs.

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The Variables to Consider When Choosing the Right Safety Can

Safety cans at a glance might appear remarkably similar, and in some ways, they are. However, each can’s design is highly nuanced and very intentional to truly be the “right tool for the job.” To choose the right safety can for your circumstance, there are a few key factors to consider. These include whether you want a Type I or Type II can, color, size, the material it is made of, and other potential features such as faucets, pumps, and bracing for durability. In addition, you should always check the chemical safety data sheet (SDS) to ensure that the safety can you are choosing is safe and suitable for your specific conditions. 

What Safety Can Should I Use for Gasoline?

OSHA mandates require that gasoline be stored in red cans for identification purposes, so your gasoline safety can will need to meet this requirement if you are subject to OSHA standards. Even if you are not subject to OSHA guidelines and will just be using this can around your home, we strongly recommend sticking to the widely accepted industry color guidelines.

All our safety cans, including those for gasoline, are leak-tested and equipped to automatically vent to avoid pressure buildup. Our safety cans come equipped with self-closing lids, and can sizes vary from five gallons to one quart. Aside from the color and size, you’ll need to choose between Type I and Type II. Type I cans feature a single opening for filling and pouring, while Type II cans have two openings. Type II cans make precision pouring a little bit easier, as they come equipped with a flexible spout and a trigger to control the flow. Can size, spout size, and Type I or Type II, are the main factors you will need to decide on when choosing a safety can for gasoline. 

Type 1 safety cans

Type 2 safety cans
Type 1 Safety Cans
Type 2 Safety Cans

 

What Safety Can Should I Use for Diesel?

While OSHA does not technically require any specific color for storing diesel, we consider it best practice to store diesel in a yellow can. The color yellow is widely accepted as the standard color for storing diesel fuel, and by meeting this unofficial standard, you minimize the risk of mix-ups. Can sizes vary from one pint to five gallons, and you’ll have to choose between the single opening Type I cans, and the separate pour and fill openings of a Type II can. Our Type I or Type II yellow safety cans are a great option for storing diesel for many applications.

Type 1 safety cans

Type 2 safety cans
Type 1 Safety Cans
Type 2 Safety Cans

 

What Safety Can Should I Use for Kerosene?

Blue is the industry standard color used to represent kerosene. Choose a blue safety can for your kerosene to avoid any mixups. Can sizes vary from one to five gallons, and you’ll have the choice between both Type I safety cans and Type II safety cans. Any of our blue safety cans will be suitable for the task of storing kerosene.

Type 1 safety cans

Type 2 safety cans
Type 1 Safety Cans for Kerosene
Type 2 Safety Cans for Kerosene

 

What Safety Can Should I Use for Oil?

Oil safety cans are most commonly green, and we strongly recommend using green as a safety best practice. Any other color would increase the risk of mixups, which at a minimum, could result in damage to property. You’ll have the choice of anywhere from one gallon to five gallon Type I safety cans andType II safety cans.

Type 1 safety cans

Type 2 safety cans
Type 1 Safety Cans for Oil
Type 2 Safety Cans for Oil

 

What Safety Can Should I Use to Meet Department of Transportation Compliance Standards?

If you are a commercial business and intend to transport gasoline or diesel on public roads or highways, you are not only subject to OSHA standards, you’ll also need to comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT holds additional compliance requirements to ensure the safe transportation of these liquids. Approved safety cans come equipped with a locking lid to prevent leakage or spilling while in travel, and they are also reinforced with roll bars surrounding the fill and pour openings in an effort to avoid damage to the mechanisms on top of the can. We carry a variety of DOT compliant Type II safety cans for both gasoline and diesel, ranging from five gallons to 2.5 gallons.

What Safety Can Should I Use for Hydrochloric Acid 37%?

When looking to store hydrochloric acid, it is important that you use a non-metallic polyethylene can. Hydrochloric acid is corrosive on metal. We carry an array of polyethylene safety cans and containers, equipped with a variety of pouring mechanisms. 

What Safety Can Should I Use for Acetone or Isopropyl Alcohol 70%?

For the storage of acetone or isopropyl alcohol 70%, we recommend one of our polyethylene cans. Our polyethylene safety cans and containers are best equipped to handle these liquids. 

What Safety Can Should I Use for Ethanol, Aniline, Ethylene Glycol, or Methanol?

For the storage of any of the liquids listed above, either our steel safety cans or polyethylene cans will be sufficient. 

This Safety Can Application Guide is for reference only. It is in no way intended to be a substitute for the user understanding the chemical being used and its proper handling, environmental conditions, and government regulations surrounding it. Because of the complex nature of chemicals, Justrite cannot offer specific recommendations on chemical compatibility. Your chemical supplier, SDS sheets, or other expert sources should be consulted. This article is offered as a guide for convenience and is not a substitute for the user clearly understanding the nature and proper use of the chemicals.s. This guide is a guide only and not a guarantee of fitness of use. Justrite assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this information. Make sure to check with the chemical manufacturer for more information on the chemical being used, its proper handling, and other conditions that affect handling.

To aid in your decision process to select the appropriate Justrite product for your application, contact Justrite Customer Service to obtain sample material parts for you to test with the chemical you are using.