Yes, you can put aerosol cans in storage, but it is absolutely essential to follow specific safety protocols to prevent potential hazards like fires or explosions. Proper storage ensures the safety of your environment and prevents damage to the cans themselves.
Aerosol cans, often containing flammable propellants and various chemical products, are pressurized containers. Mishandling or improper storage can lead to dangerous situations. Therefore, understanding and implementing correct storage procedures is paramount.
Understanding the Risks of Storing Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans pose unique risks primarily due to their pressurized nature and the often-flammable contents and propellants. These risks include:
- Explosion: High temperatures can cause the pressure inside the can to build rapidly, leading to an explosion. Physical impact can also rupture a can.
- Fire: Many aerosol products and their propellants are highly flammable. A compromised can near an ignition source can easily start a fire.
- Chemical Exposure: A damaged can can leak its contents, potentially exposing individuals to harmful chemicals or creating slick surfaces.
Essential Requirements for Safe Aerosol Storage
To mitigate these risks, storing aerosol cans requires adherence to specific safety standards. One of the most critical requirements, especially for commercial or large-scale storage, is related to flammability.
Fire-Resistant Storage
Flammable aerosol cans, along with other flammable liquids in containers of 60 gallons or less, must be kept in a fire-resistant storage cabinet or an inside storage room specifically rated for fire resistance. This critical measure is designed to contain potential fires, protect the cans from external heat sources, and prevent a small incident from escalating into a major fire.
These cabinets are constructed from fire-rated materials and feature self-closing doors, fire-resistant vents, and often a leak-proof sump to contain spills. Ensuring the storage area meets recognized fire safety standards, such as those set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is vital.
Practical Tips for Storing Aerosol Cans Safely
Beyond fire-resistant enclosures, several other best practices contribute to safe aerosol storage.
1. Temperature Control
- Maintain Moderate Temperatures: Store cans in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources (like furnaces, water heaters, or stoves), and freezing temperatures. Extreme heat can increase internal pressure, leading to explosions, while freezing can degrade the product or damage the can.
- Avoid Garages/Attics in Extremes: Uninsulated garages and attics often experience significant temperature fluctuations, making them unsuitable for long-term aerosol storage, especially during summer or winter.
2. Ventilation
- Ensure Good Airflow: Store aerosol cans in a well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of flammable vapors, should a can accidentally leak. Adequate ventilation also helps dissipate any odors.
3. Protection from Physical Damage
- Avoid Drops and Punctures: Store cans in a manner that prevents them from being knocked over, dropped, or punctured. Sharp objects or heavy items should not be stored alongside aerosols.
- Original Packaging or Sturdy Containers: If possible, keep cans in their original packaging or place them in sturdy, labeled containers to prevent rolling and provide an extra layer of protection.
4. Segregation and Organization
- Separate Incompatibles: If storing various chemicals, ensure aerosol cans are separated from incompatible materials that could react dangerously if a leak were to occur.
- Keep Away from Ignition Sources: Strictly prohibit smoking, open flames, sparks, and any other ignition sources near aerosol storage areas. Electrical equipment should be intrinsically safe if present in the vicinity of large quantities of flammable aerosols.
- Organize and Label: Store cans upright and ensure all labels are legible. This helps identify contents and usage instructions quickly.
5. Regular Inspection
- Check for Damage: Periodically inspect cans for signs of rust, dents, leaks, or bulging. Damaged cans should be safely disposed of immediately.
- Shelf Life: Pay attention to expiration dates. While many aerosols have a long shelf life, product efficacy can decrease over time.
Aerosol Can Storage Checklist
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Store in a fire-resistant cabinet (flammable) | Store near heat sources or direct sunlight |
| Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area | Store in uninsulated garages/attics with extreme temps |
| Store upright and protected | Puncture, dent, or drop cans |
| Keep away from ignition sources | Store with incompatible chemicals |
| Inspect regularly for damage | Ignore labels or safety warnings |
For comprehensive guidelines on handling and storing flammable liquids, including aerosols, consult resources from regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Proper Disposal of Aerosol Cans
Even empty aerosol cans can contain residual product and pressure, so they should not be simply thrown into regular trash or recycling bins without checking local regulations. Always consult your local waste management facility or environmental protection agency for specific disposal instructions, as they are often considered household hazardous waste.
By adhering to these stringent storage guidelines, especially the requirement for fire-resistant enclosures for flammable aerosols, you can safely store aerosol cans and minimize associated risks.
