Handling flammable liquids safely is essential in industries ranging from manufacturing and maintenance to laboratories, automotive workshops and chemical processing. While selecting the correct safety can may seem like a small decision, using the wrong container can increase the risk of fires, chemical exposure, spills and costly operational downtime.

Whether you're storing petrol, diesel, solvents or other hazardous liquids, choosing an approved safety can helps reduce workplace risks while supporting compliance with recognised safety standards and best practices.

When choosing a safety can for flammable liquids, consider five key factors:

1. Does it meet recognised safety approvals?
2. Is the material compatible with the chemical being stored?
3. What capacity do you actually need?
4. Should you choose a Type I or Type II safety can? (What is thwe main purpose of my safety can)
5. Is the container correctly colour coded for its contents?

Answering these questions will help you select a safety can that improves safety, simplifies handling and reduces fire risks.

Flammable liquids release vapours that can ignite when exposed to heat, sparks or open flames. Even routine tasks such as filling machinery, dispensing solvents or transporting fuel can create hazards if unsuitable containers are used.

Purpose-built safety cans are designed to minimise these risks by incorporating features that help prevent ignition, reduce vapour release and safely manage internal pressure during extreme conditions.

Using an approved safety can can help organisations:

• Reduce the likelihood of workplace fires
• Improve safe handling of hazardous liquids
• Minimise spills and vapour emissions
• Support workplace safety programmes
• Protect employees, equipment and facilities

Investing in the correct container is often one of the simplest ways to improve flammable liquid storage practices.

One of the first questions to ask is whether the safety can has been independently tested and certified.

High-quality safety cans are manufactured to meet recognised industry requirements and undergo rigorous testing to verify their performance under demanding conditions.

Depending on the product and application, look for recognised approvals such as:

• FM Approved
• UL Listed
• Other recognised certifications applicable to your region

These approvals indicate that important safety features have been independently assessed.

Self-Closing Lid

A self-closing lid automatically seals after dispensing, helping to minimise the release of flammable vapours while reducing the chance of sparks or debris entering the container.

Flame Arrester

Flame arresters are specially engineered metal components fitted inside the can's opening.

Their purpose is to dissipate heat and prevent flames from travelling back into the container should external ignition occur.

This feature plays an important role in reducing the risk of flashback ignition.

Automatic Pressure Relief

When exposed to excessive heat, pressure can build inside any sealed container.

Approved safety cans are designed to relieve internal pressure safely before it reaches dangerous levels, helping to reduce the risk of rupture or explosion during a fire.

Not all chemicals interact with materials in the same way.

Choosing the wrong container material may lead to corrosion, degradation or leaks over time, creating unnecessary safety risks.

Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the chemical being handled before selecting a container.

Galvanised Steel

Steel safety cans are an excellent choice for many flammable fuels and solvents.

Benefits include:

• Excellent impact resistance
• Long service life
• High resistance to workplace wear
• Ideal for demanding industrial environments

Polyethylene

Polyethylene safety cans provide excellent chemical resistance and are suitable for many corrosive liquids that could damage metal containers.

Advantages include:

• Lightweight construction
• Corrosion resistance
• Suitable for a wide range of chemicals
• Easy handling

Stainless Steel

For highly aggressive chemicals or applications requiring maximum corrosion resistance, stainless steel safety cans provide outstanding durability and chemical compatibility.

Selecting the correct material extends container life while helping maintain safe chemical storage.

Choosing the largest container isn't always the safest option. Instead, select the smallest capacity that comfortably supports your daily operations.

Smaller volumes mean:

• Less flammable liquid exposed during use
• Reduced spill potential
• Easier handling
• Lower fire load in the event of an incident

For example, if technicians regularly use approximately 4 litres of solvent throughout a shift, selecting a 5-litre safety can is generally more practical than using a much larger container that remains only partially full.

Matching container size to the task helps improve both safety and efficiency.

Understanding the difference between Type I and Type II safety cans is one of the most common questions asked by safety professionals.

Although both are designed for storing and dispensing flammable liquids safely, each serves slightly different applications.

Type I safety cans feature a single opening used for both filling and pouring.

These are great for general storage and provide standard pouring through a single opening that is also used for filling the can. 

They are ideal for:

• General maintenance
• Fuel storage
• Workshops
• Manufacturing facilities
• Everyday liquid transfer

Type II safety cans include separate filling and dispensing openings.

Many feature a flexible metal dispensing hose that allows users to pour liquids more accurately while reducing splashing and waste.

These are particularly suitable for:

• Precision dispensing
• Frequent liquid transfer
• Equipment refuelling
• Industrial maintenance
• Applications requiring greater pouring control

Colour coding is more than simple organisation—it helps reduce the risk of using the wrong fuel or chemical.

Using standard colour conventions makes container identification faster and supports safer workplace practices.

Clearly identifying contents helps reduce human error, particularly in busy industrial environments where multiple fuels and chemicals are stored together.

For additional protection, always ensure containers are clearly labelled in accordance with your site's procedures and applicable regulations.

Even experienced workplaces can make simple mistakes when selecting safety cans.

Avoid:

• Using unapproved containers for flammable liquids
• Choosing container materials that are incompatible with the stored chemical
• Buying oversized containers "just in case"
• Ignoring colour coding
• Failing to inspect containers regularly for signs of wear or damage
• Using damaged flame arresters or lids

Regular inspections should form part of any workplace safety programme.

What is a safety can?

A safety can is a specially designed container used for storing, transporting and dispensing flammable liquids while reducing fire and explosion risks through features such as self-closing lids, flame arresters and pressure relief mechanisms.

Are plastic safety cans suitable for flammable liquids?

Yes. Polyethylene safety cans are suitable for many flammable and corrosive chemicals, provided the container is compatible with the specific substance. Always check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use.

What is the difference between a Type I and Type II safety can?

Type I safety cans use one opening for filling and dispensing, while Type II safety cans have separate openings, allowing for more controlled pouring and easier filling.

Why do safety cans include flame arresters?

Flame arresters help stop flames from travelling into the container by dissipating heat, reducing the likelihood of vapour ignition inside the can.

How often should safety cans be inspected?

Safety cans should be inspected regularly for dents, corrosion, damaged seals, blocked flame arresters and signs of wear. Replace damaged containers immediately.

Selecting the right safety can is an important part of protecting people, property and operations when handling flammable liquids.

By considering certification, material compatibility, capacity, container type and colour coding, organisations can significantly improve workplace safety while reducing the risks associated with hazardous liquid handling.

Whether you're storing fuels, solvents or industrial chemicals, choosing a high-quality safety can designed for your specific application helps create a safer and more efficient workplace.

Explore Justrite's range of Type I and Type II safety cans to find a solution that meets your operational requirements and supports safer flammable liquid storage.