Why You Should Buy Safety Gas Cans for Your Home

Safety gas cans are overlooked by many homeowners when buying a new gas can.

Usually used by businesses that need a safe, durable gas can for frequent use and transporting, a safety can provides some extra features than the standard plastic gas can. Some of these key features are flame arresters, self-closing lids, and pressure relief.

• The flame arrestor is a screen that prevents a gas can from exploding. If gas vapors are ignited outside the can it prevents the flame from entering the can and igniting the vapor.
• Self-closing lids prevent vapor loss and spills. Most have a squeeze handle for good control of the flow of gas.
• Safety cans have pressure relief to prevent rupture or explosion. The can will automatically vent at 3-5 pounds of pressure per square inch, then reseal.

Most safety cans are made from a high grade steel and powder coated for durability and chemical resistance. The metal cans are puncture resistant and have reinforced ribs to absorb impact. They come in two types:

• Type 1 safety cans have a single opening for filling and dispensing the gas. They use a funnel for dispensing.
• Type 2 safety cans have 2 openings, one for filling and one for dispensing. Type 2 cans are easier to use and will generally come with an attached flexible hose for accurate filling.

Here are some other important clarifications to consider when buying a safety gas can:

• Red gas cans are for gas.
• Yellow cans are for diesel.
• Blue cans are for kerosene.

Remember, these simple steps when filling your gas cans:

1. Always take the gas can out of your car or truck and put it on the ground about five feet from your vehicle before filling.
2. Touch the metal on your car to discharge any static on your body.
3. Keep the gas nozzle in contact with the gas can while filling and fill slowly to reduce static electricity.
4. Only fill the gas can 95 percent full to allow for expansion.
5. Add a fuel stabilizer like STA-BIL® to your gas can every time you fill up to protect the fuel and the power equipment you are filling.

Read more about gas can safety here.