Not all fuels and chemicals should be stored in the same type of container. The properties of the liquid, how it will be used and the environment in which it is handled all influence which safety can is the most suitable choice.

Using the correct safety can helps reduce the risk of spills, vapour release and accidental ignition while making it easier to identify and dispense hazardous liquids safely. Selecting the right material and colour coding also supports safer workplace practices and helps prevent cross-contamination or misuse.

This guide explains which safety can is best suited to common fuels, oils and hazardous liquids, helping you choose the right solution for your application.

Always verify chemical compatibility using the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before selecting a container.

Petrol is one of the most commonly handled flammable liquids in industrial environments and requires containers specifically designed to minimise fire risks during storage and dispensing.

A steel Type I safety can is an excellent choice for general storage and pouring, while a Type II safety can provides additional control during dispensing through a flexible metal hose and separate filling opening.

Recommended Applications

• Vehicle maintenance
• Manufacturing facilities
• Equipment refuelling
• Workshops
• Facilities management

Recommended Colour

Red

Using a red safety can helps quickly identify petrol and reduces the likelihood of accidental misuse where multiple fuels are stored together.

Although diesel has different handling characteristics than petrol, it should still be stored in an approved safety container that protects against spills and contamination.

Steel safety cans provide excellent durability for daily industrial use, while Type II models offer greater pouring accuracy for equipment with smaller fill openings.

Recommended Applications

• Construction equipment
• Agricultural machinery
• Fleet maintenance
• Emergency generators
• Industrial vehicles

Recommended Colour

Yellow

Yellow has become the widely recognised colour for diesel storage and helps distinguish it from petrol and kerosene.

Kerosene is commonly used for heating equipment, aviation support and specialist industrial applications.

Using a dedicated safety can helps prevent fuel contamination while making identification easier in workplaces handling multiple fuel types.

Recommended Applications

• Portable heaters
• Aviation maintenance
• Industrial cleaning
• Specialist machinery

Recommended Colour

Blue

Blue containers are traditionally used for kerosene, making fuel identification faster and helping to reduce handling errors.

Lubricating oils may present a lower fire risk than highly volatile fuels, but they should still be stored in suitable containers that reduce spills and simplify dispensing.

Dedicated oil containers also help prevent contamination and improve workplace organisation.

Recommended Applications

• Equipment maintenance
• Machine lubrication
• Automotive workshops
• Manufacturing plants

Recommended Colour

Green

Green containers are commonly used for oils and lubricants, making them easy to distinguish from fuels.

Industrial solvents such as acetone, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), MEK, toluene and xylene require careful handling due to their low flash points and rapid vapour generation.

Steel safety cans are suitable for many solvent applications, while stainless steel containers may be preferable where increased corrosion resistance or chemical compatibility is required.

Before selecting a container, always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the solvent being stored.

Typical Applications

• Surface preparation
• Parts cleaning
• Paint manufacturing
• Chemical processing
• Laboratory use

Certain acids, alkalis and aggressive chemicals can attack metal containers over time.

For these applications, polyethylene safety cans provide excellent chemical resistance while remaining lightweight and easy to handle.

Always confirm compatibility between the container material and the chemical before use.

Typical Applications

• Chemical manufacturing
• Water treatment
• Laboratories
• Industrial cleaning

Laboratories often handle small volumes of hazardous liquids that require safe collection and controlled disposal.

Specialised laboratory containers designed for solvent waste help minimise vapour release while providing secure temporary storage until waste can be removed safely.

These containers are particularly suitable for research laboratories, universities, pharmaceutical facilities and quality control environments.

Steel

Steel safety cans are ideal for many fuels and flammable liquids. They provide excellent durability, impact resistance and long service life in demanding industrial environments.

Best suited for:

• Petrol
• Diesel
• Kerosene
• Many flammable solvents

Polyethylene

Polyethylene offers outstanding resistance to many corrosive chemicals and is lightweight for easy handling.

Best suited for:

• Acids
• Alkalis
• Corrosive cleaning chemicals
• Selected laboratory chemical

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel provides superior corrosion resistance and is often chosen for highly aggressive chemicals or applications requiring high cleanliness standards.

Best suited for:

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Chemical processing
• High-purity applications
• Aggressive solvents

Using standard colour coding helps workers identify liquids quickly and reduces the risk of accidental misuse.

In addition to colour coding, containers should always be clearly labelled in accordance with your site's safety procedures and applicable regulations.

Use this simple guide to identify the most suitable solution.

Storing petrol or diesel?
Choose a steel Type I or Type II safety can.

Need greater pouring accuracy?
A Type II safety can with a flexible dispensing hose offers improved control.

Handling corrosive chemicals?
Choose a polyethylene safety can after confirming chemical compatibility.

Working with aggressive solvents or high-purity chemicals?
Consider a stainless steel safety can.

Collecting laboratory solvent waste?
Use a dedicated laboratory waste container designed for safe solvent collection.

Can I use the same safety can for different fuels?

It is recommended that each safety can is dedicated to a single liquid to prevent contamination and reduce the risk of accidental misuse.

Why are safety cans colour coded?

Colour coding allows fuels and chemicals to be identified quickly, helping improve workplace safety and reduce handling errors.

Are steel and plastic safety cans interchangeable?

No. The correct material depends on the chemical being stored. Always check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before selecting a container.

Should I choose a Type I or Type II safety can?

Type I safety cans are ideal dfor general storage and dispensing, while Type II safety cans offer more controlled pouring through a seperate filling and dispensing opening. 

How do I know if a chemical is compatible with a safety can?

Always consult the chemical's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and any available compatibility guidance before selecting a container.

Choosing the correct safety can starts with understanding the liquid you need to handle. By selecting the appropriate material, design and colour coding for each application, you can improve workplace safety, reduce the risk of spills and simplify hazardous liquid handling.

Whether you are storing fuels, dispensing solvents or collecting laboratory waste, Justrite offers a wide range of safety cans and specialised containers designed to support safer operations across industrial, commercial and laboratory environments.