Ensure Safe Aerosol Storage In The Workplace With Aerosol Storage Cabinets

05 Mar 2025

What are aerosol cans and why can they be dangerous in the workplace?

Aerosol cans are pressurised containers that dispense products in a fine mist or spray, commonly used for various purposes in Australian workplaces. Examples of aerosol cans include those used for spray paints, deodorants, cleaning agents, and lubricants. While these products offer convenience and efficiency, they also pose significant dangers if not stored correctly in an aerosol storage cabinet.

The primary hazards of aerosols at work stem from their flammable contents and the potential for inhalation of harmful chemicals. Although commonly used everyday on many worksites they are in fact classed as Class 2 dangerous goods by the Australian Dangerous Goods code and need to be handled and stored as such.

Improper storage and handling of aerosol cans can lead to hazards such as:

Fire and Explosion Hazards: When exposed to heat or sparks, cans have the potential to ignite or explode, due to the flammable propellants they contain.
Projectile Hazards: If punctured or mishandled, they can burst due to the sudden release of pressure, potentially becoming projectiles and causing injuries.
Chemical Exposure: Inhalation of harmful vapours from aerosol cans can lead to potentially long-term health concerns.

How to store aerosol cans safely in the workplace

Storing aerosol cans safely in the workplace is crucial to ensuring employee safety. To begin with, it’s essential to keep aerosol cans away from any heat or ignition sources. This includes radiators, direct sunlight, and electrical equipment that may generate heat. Such precautions help mitigate the risk of explosion or fire.

Additionally, these cans should be stored away from plant or machinery where they could be inadvertently damaged. The potential for puncturing an aerosol can increases significantly in areas with heavy machinery operation.

Moreover, it’s advisable to position them away from high vehicle traffic areas. This reduces the likelihood of accidental impacts that could compromise the integrity of the canisters.

For optimal safety practices, it is recommended to store aerosol cans inside dedicated storage cages that comply with Australian standards. Aerosol storage cabinets provide a controlled environment specifically designed for the specific storage of aerosol cans. These purpose built cages have perforated walls which provide natural ventilation to prevent the build up of flammable vapours and a heavy-duty steel construction to provides projectile protection if a can is damaged.

Features and Benefits of a Aerosol Can Storage Cage

An aerosol can storage cage is an essential safety solution for workplaces that frequently use aerosol cans. Australian Standard AS/NZS3833-2007, outlines the use and design of aerosol cages to improve worksite and personnel safety. One of the key features of an aerosol cage is its heavy-duty steel construction, which provides robust protection against potential projectiles and impacts.

Cages include perforated walls and roof that facilitate natural ventilation, allowing for the effective dissipation of flammable gases and vapours. This feature is crucial in preventing hazardous build-ups that could lead to dangerous situations. Additionally, the secure consolidated location of aerosol cans within these cabinets helps streamline inventory management while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

To enhance visibility and awareness on-site, aerosol cages are equipped with danger and warning signage and is finished in a bright yellow colour. This not only alerts personnel to the presence of flammable materials but also promotes a culture of safety within the workplace.

Large aerosol cage - storage for up to 960 cans

Can Aerosol Cans Be Stored In Flammable Safety Cabinets?

While flammable liquid cabinets are commonly perceived as appropriate for aerosol storage, it is important to understand that using a dedicated aerosol cage represents the best practice for safety.

Flammable liquids cabinets feature self-closing, tight-fitting doors intended to prevent flames and radiant heat from entering, thereby providing essential protection for volatile substances. However, this design can inadvertently create safety hazards when aerosols are stored inside; any vapours venting from the cans can become trapped within the cabinet, increasing the risk of ignition.

In contrast, aerosol cages are specifically designed with open-air perforations that facilitate the safe dispersal of gases into the atmosphere. This ventilation significantly mitigates the potential for dangerous accumulation and subsequent workplace accidents. By opting for an aerosol cage rather than a flammable liquids cabinet, organisations can enhance their safety protocols and ensure a more secure working environment for employees handling these pressurised containers. Check out our YouTube video on aerosol cabinets here.

Choosing the Right Aerosol Storage Cabinet for Your Needs

There are a few things to consider when selecting the right aerosol storage cabinet for your needs. Firstly, consider how many aerosol cans you need to store and how many you may use in the future. Secondly, check the external dimensions of our range of cabinets to ensure they will be suitable for your workplace and that you have the necessary space available.

We have a wide range of aerosol cans available in stock Australia wide from 12 can storage all the way through to 960 can storage. You can view our range by clicking here!