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Does your gas can meet OSHA requirements?
Can you legally use that red plastic $5.00 gas can
on your job site?
The short answer, probably not.
OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.152(a)(1) states "Only
approved containers and portable tanks shall be used
for storage and handling of flammable and combus-
tible liquids. Approved safety cans or Department of
Transportation (DOT) approved containers shall be
used for the handling and use of flammable liquids in
quantities of 5 gallons or less.
What is an approved safety can or DOT gas can?
A safety can is (29 CFR 1926.155(1)) an approved,
closed container, of not more than 5 gallons capacity,
having a flash arresting screen, spring closing lid and
spout cover and so designed that it will safely relieve
internal pressure when subjected to fire expo-
sure. (Approval is given by a nationally recognized
testing laboratory, for example, Underwriters Labora-
tory, Inc.)
Gas cans may only display DOT approval markings
when they meet stringent Department of Transporta-
tion requirements. Here is where it gets confusing,
inexpensive plastic gas cans may meet EPA require-
ments, but they do NOT meet DOT rules, therefore
there are not OSHA compliant at your salvage facility.
The metal fuel cans (gasoline, diesel and propane)
are often referred to as “jerry cans” although that
technically described the square cans designed for
military use in Germany. “Jerry” was wartime slang
for a German soldier. The term is frequently used for
all metal gas cans with funnels.
Use a "jerry can” for fuels storage!
Information provided by ARA Safety Committee
.
On January 31, 2014, spent shop rags and paper
towels used with parts cleaning solvent are no longer
subject to a hazardous waste regulation if managed
appropriately (and not otherwise governed by state or
local rules).
Small Container Fuel Storage
Use a “jerry can” for fuel storage
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