5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Safety Can
Safety cans are built to withstand demanding workplace environments, but they don't last forever. Regular use, exposure to chemicals, impacts, corrosion, and normal wear can eventually compromise the features designed to make a safety can safer than an ordinary container. Regular inspections can help identify problems before they become bigger hazards. Here are five signs that it may be time to take your safety can out of service and replace it.
1. The Can Is Rusted, Corroded, or Cracked
Start by inspecting the body of the safety can. Rust, significant corrosion, cracks, holes, or deterioration can compromise the integrity of the container and increase the possibility of a leak. Pay particular attention to seams, the bottom of the can, and areas frequently exposed to chemicals or moisture. A damaged container shouldn't be relied upon to safely hold flammable liquids. For plastic safety cans, look for cracking, warping, brittleness, discoloration, or other evidence that the material has deteriorated.
2. The Lid Doesn't Close Properly
The self-closing lid is one of the safety can's most important features. If the lid sticks, doesn't close completely, or no longer automatically returns to its closed position, the can will no longer provide its intended protection. Don't prop a safety-can lid open or modify the closing mechanism to make pouring easier. If cleaning and manufacturer-approved maintenance don't restore proper operation, consider replacing the can.
3. The Flame Arrester Is Damaged
Many safety cans include a flame arrester designed to help prevent an external flame from reaching flammable vapors inside the container. Inspect the flame arrester for damage, significant corrosion, holes, or other deterioration. It should also be kept clean according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid puncturing, drilling, or otherwise modifying the flame arrester in an attempt to improve liquid flow. If the component is damaged beyond appropriate maintenance or replacement according to the manufacturer's instructions, remove the can from service.
4. The Can Leaks
A safety can shouldn't leak when properly closed and used as intended. Look for liquid around the lid, spout, seams, fittings, or bottom of the container. Leaks may indicate deterioration of a gasket, seal, fitting, seam, hose, or the container itself. Some components may be replaceable depending on the manufacturer and model. However, a can with structural damage or a problem that cannot be corrected with an approved replacement part should be replaced. Never attempt an improvised repair on a container used to hold flammable liquids.
5. The Handle, Spout, or Dispensing System Is Damaged
Don't overlook the components used to carry and dispense the liquid. A loose handle, cracked funnel, damaged hose, or malfunctioning trigger can make the can harder to control and increase the chance of a spill. This is particularly important for Type II safety cans, which may include a flexible dispensing hose and flow-control mechanism. Inspect these components regularly and follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and replacement parts.
Don't Wait Until a Safety Can Fails
There isn't necessarily a universal expiration date for every safety can. Condition and proper operation are important factors in determining whether a can should remain in service.
Make safety cans part of regular workplace inspections and look for:
- Rust or corrosion
- Cracks or structural damage
- Leaking seals or seams
- Damaged flame arresters
- Malfunctioning self-closing lids
- Damaged handles, hoses, or dispensing components
- Missing or unreadable identification labels
If you're unsure whether a damaged component can safely be repaired or replaced, check the manufacturer's instructions rather than improvising a solution.
Replace Damaged Equipment Before It Becomes a Hazard
Safety cans are designed with specialized features to help reduce the risks associated with storing and dispensing flammable liquids. Those features only provide their intended protection when they're in good working condition.Regularly inspecting safety cans and promptly removing damaged equipment from service can help prevent leaks, spills, and other hazards. A few minutes spent checking a can today can help ensure it's ready to safely perform its job tomorrow.