The humble aerosol can is a reminder that, when it comes to safety, we should not take anything for granted. Did you know the aerosol can is deemed a Class 2 Dangerous Good?
Aerosol cans may contain hazardous substances such as adhesives, paints, and varnishes that can all be harmful if their vapours and/or gases are inhaled. If aerosol cans are placed under pressure, the results can be disastrous, as the cans can explode or even become projectiles. Accidents can happen all too easily. For example, you are taking a risk if you leave an aerosol can too close to a heat source such as a barbeque, or in a vehicle on a hot day.
Cans can also explode and rupture if they are pierced or dropped, affecting the cans structural integrity. This all poses important questions:
How Should Aerosol Cans be Stored?
It’s important to store aerosol cans inside dedicated cages with perforated walls to deliver natural ventilation and away from direct sunlight, ignition sources, and machinery. It’s also important storage cages are manufactured to meet the requirements of AS/NZS3833:2007, which applies to the storage and handling of mixed classes of dangerous goods, in packages and intermediate bulk containers.
Spill Crew aerosol cages provide projectile protection in the event of a workplace fire. “Our high-quality range are used across many industries from small workshops and mechanical garages… to mine sites and large manufacturing facilities,” says Michael Carrigg, General Manager, Spill Crew Australia. “They’re robust, lightweight and easy to move… as well as lockable, enabling an extra layer of security and inventory control.”
Other features include:
- Heavy duty, powder coated steel.
- Solid steel roof and floors with bolt down plates.
- Appropriate warnings and safety signs.
Why You Shouldn't Store Aerosol Cans in a Dangerous Goods Cabinet
Flammable liquids storage cabinets are specifically designed to safely store flammable liquids and prevent the entry of flames into the cabinet, preventing the spread and escalation of a workplace fire. So, it’s particularly important to never use flammable liquid cabinets to store aerosol cans, as dangerous vapours can be trapped inside by air-tight doors. “We understand only too well the dangers surrounding the handling and storage management of aerosols. That’s why our cabinets are specifically designed and built to comply with Australian Standards requirements,” says Michael.
“We manufacture locally at our Melbourne manufacturing plant to suit varying Australian conditions. We’re also able to modify our products to meet our customer’s needs and site requirements.”
This article first appeared in the latest edition of Safety Spotlight. For more safety articles like this one, click below to checkout the online version of the magazine.
