Everyday Hazmat User’s Training Guide, Page 28

Everyday Hazmat User's Training Guide

Section III Hazardous Materials Management (continued)

Hazardous Product Containers

Compressed Gases

Compressed gas products come in a variety of sizes. These guidelines address only portable containers. Bulk containers have additional safety and regulatory issues. If you have installed a bulk container, check with your unit’s hazmat coordinator. Never rely on the color of the cylinder to determine its contents.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Liquefied petroleum gas, propane, propylene, butane, butylenes) suppliers provide containers that are portable or fixed in place. These cylinders are measured in water capacity in pounds, LPG capacity in gallons, and tare weight in pounds; the size of each cylinder must be marked. All cylinders must have a pressure relief valve. Liquefied petroleum gas containers must be in good physical shape and not have bulges, dents, gouges, or excessive corrosion; damaged containers must be removed from service. All containers must have barriers protecting them from physical damage.

Container Labeling

ALL containers and cylinders must have the original manufacturer’s label or an equivalent label. These labels are the only means workers can use to identify the types of hazardous materials with which they may be working. MSDSs are always a requirement as well—they should be readily available in the work area.

Container Functions

Product containers can be used for transportation, storage, and dispensing. Each function has its own specific set of requirements. A container that is legal for dispensing may not be legal for storage or transportation.

Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids are a special type of hazardous material that have specific container requirements. Flammable liquids (such as gasoline) are the hazardous product that is most commonly dispensed at USDA Forest Service units. Ensure that proper containers are used. The requirements for class IA, IB, and IC flammable liquids and class II combustible materials are:

Do not use glass containers of any size.
Do not use plastic containers for storage; the only exception is the use of Dolmar two-compartment, 1-gallon containers for chain saw fuel. Replace plastic containers (except Dolmars) with the safety transport can.
Jerricans may be used to store class IB or IC flammable liquids.
Metal drums up to 55 gallons are acceptable for class IA, IB, and IC flammable liquids so long as the drum is sound, tightly closed, and is approved by the DOT.
Safety cans holding 5 gallons or less can be used to store class IA, IB, and IC flammable liquids; these containers must be red and have a spring-loaded, self-closing lid and functioning flash arrester.
Metal containers (pint, quart, gallon, 2 gallon, 5 gallon) provided by the original manufacturer are acceptable as long as they are sound and securely closed.
Metal containers holding more than 60 gallons, but less than 660 gallons, are portable tanks; all portable tanks must be approved by the DOT and marked with the proper shipping name (as defined by the DOT) and identification numbers.
Dolmar containers are to be used only for transporting and dispensing gasoline, not for storing gasoline; however, oil can be stored in Dolmar containers. Container Functions Product containers can be used for transportation, storage, and dispensing. Each function has its own specific set of requirements. A container that is legal for dispensing may not be legal for storage or transportation.

Recommendation: Plastic containers (except Dolmars) and other unapproved containers should be drained of gasoline, air dried, and recycled as scrap or discarded in the trash (check with your recycler or landfill before discarding) and replaced with an approved container.