Safety Can Color Guide: What Do the Different Colors Mean?
When working with combustible or flammable liquids, using the correct container is important for both safety and organization. Color-coded safety cans make it easier for workers to quickly identify what's inside a container, reducing the chance of accidentally using the wrong fuel or liquid. This type of color coordination has become common practice for improving identification and reducing mix-ups. Here are the four colors you're most likely to encounter.
Red: Gasoline
Red is most commonly associated with gasoline and other highly flammable liquids. Red safety cans are required by OSHA for highly flammable liquids. Flammable liquids are also required to have a yellow band to label the container indicating the contents. Gasoline produces highly flammable vapors, so it should be kept in an approved container appropriate for the application rather than an ordinary jug, bucket, or other improvised container.
Yellow: Diesel
Yellow safety cans are used to identify diesel fuel. Yellow is not a regulated color but has become the standard color associated with diesel. This color convention makes it easier to differentiate diesel from gasoline when both fuels are kept in the same facility or work area This can be particularly helpful around construction equipment, generators, maintenance operations, and other locations where several types of fuel are routinely handled.
Blue: Kerosene
Although it is not a requirement, Blue safety cans are commonly used for kerosene. Using blue as the dedicated color helps prevent kerosene from being confused with more flammable materials like gasoline or diesel.
Green: Oils
Green safety cans are commonly used to identify oils, providing another visual distinction when multiple liquids are stored or used throughout a facility. Oils can vary greatly so it is always a good idea to label your safety cans with the specific details of its contents.
Are Safety Can Colors Required?
It's important to distinguish common industry color conventions from legal requirements. Not every liquid is federally required to be stored in a particular colored safety can. Facilities should always verify applicable regulations and select an approved safety can that's appropriate and compatible with the liquid being stored.
Why Does Color Coding Matter?
Color coding provides a simple visual system that can help employees identify container contents quickly. It can help:
- Reduce fuel mix-ups
- Improve workplace organization
- Make container contents easier to identify
- Support consistent handling and storage practices
However, color shouldn't be the only method used to identify a liquid. Safety cans should also be properly labeled with their contents, particularly in workplaces where several chemicals or fuels are handled. It is a good safety practice to keep identification labels updated if a container's use changes.
A Simple Guide to Remember
Red = Gasoline
Yellow = Diesel
Blue = Kerosene
Green = Oil
Using consistent colors along with proper labeling and approved containers can make flammable-liquid storage more organized and help workers quickly recognize what they're handling.