Flammable materials in an industrial area can include anything from gasoline to rags used for cleaning up toxic chemicals. Any of these materials can burst into flame when exposed to enough heat or a spark, and if somebody leaves them out in the open they can help a fire spread. The use of flammable storage cabinets and gas cans for flammable liquids can reduce fire hazards and keep your workplace as safe as possible.
Flammable Storage Cabinets
Any sort of flammable or hazardous material needs to be stored properly, and a Justrite flammable cabinet is the best way to handle this matter. This sort of storage cabinet is resistant to impact and can vent heat, keeping flammable liquids inside relatively safe even in the event of a fire. Different flammable storage cabinets are rates for different materials, so you can store those that have a lower flashpoint separately from those that are more resistant to fire. Fuel, paint thinner, acetone, and nitric acids are all examples of common flammable materials that you should store in a cabinet. In addition to protecting these materials, the use of a locked cabinet allows you to restrict who has access to the chemicals based on need and authorization level.
Choosing Gas Cans
You should store any flammable liquids in gas cans to make sure that they don’t leak or spill, causing a fire hazard. Gas cans are designed to handle corrosive and dangerous materials, while containers not suited for these purposes are more likely to wear down and leak. Petrol fuel, for example, interacts with the petroleum in a typical plastic bottle and will weaken the material over time, eventually causing a rupture. In addition to being designed to handle volatile chemicals, gas cans are usually bright red or yellow for easy visibility and are clearly labeled as containing hazardous materials. This makes sure that people are properly informed on sight and helps to prevent potential accidents caused by misunderstanding.
Type I and Type II Cans
When you purchase gas cans for your property, you should consider whether you need a type I or a type II can. The difference between the two cans boils down to how many openings they have in the top. A type I can has a single opening, so you pour the liquid into the same area where it comes out. A type II can has two separate openings, one for pouring the liquid into the can and one for pouring it out. Most liquids can go into either type, but those that give off extremely dangerous vapors should be kept in type II cans only. That limits the chance that somebody will breathe in harmful gases that might damage their lungs.
Don’t leave your flammable liquids out in the open. Be sure to store them in proper containers and, if necessary, to keep them securely locked in flammable storage cabinets as well. This ensures better workplace safety and can keep potential fire hazards under control as well.