Aerosol storage cages play a crucial role in ensuring safety, compliance, and efficient management of potentially hazardous materials. These cans are highly pressurized and can pose a threat to employees and property if not stored properly. This is where aerosol storage cages come in, providing a secure and safe storage solution for these cans. Here are several reasons highlighting their importance:

1. Safety and Security: Aerosol storage cages provide a secure and controlled environment for storing aerosol products. This helps prevent unauthorized access and reduces the risk of accidents, spills, or intentional misuse.
2. Compliance with Regulations: Many industries are subject to strict regulations regarding the storage and handling of aerosol products. Storage cages are designed to meet these regulatory standards, ensuring that businesses remain in compliance with local, regional, and national guidelines.
3. Prevention of Accidents: Aerosol containers often contain pressurized substances that can be volatile. Proper storage in cages reduces the risk of accidental punctures or damage, preventing leaks and potential accidents that could harm individuals or the environment.
4. Organized Inventory Management: Aerosol storage cages provide an organized and designated space for inventory. This facilitates efficient tracking of stock levels, reduces the chances of misplaced items, and streamlines inventory management processes.
5. Protection Against Theft: Aerosol products can be attractive targets for theft due to their portability and value. Storage cages act as a deterrent to theft and unauthorized access, protecting valuable assets and minimizing the risk of loss.

Compliance with Regulatory Agencies

Regulatory agencies like the EPA, OSHA, and DHS are cracking down on aerosol can storage conditions more than ever. Typically, it is not the contents of an aerosol can that are considered hazardous, but the propellants used to spray the contents of the can. This is a brief overview of what OSHA requires for proper aerosol storage:

Level 1 Aerosol – Less than 25% by weight of water-miscible or non-miscible flammable base product.

Level 2 Aerosol – 25 to 100% by weight of water-miscible flammable base product or 25 to 55% of non-water miscible flammable or combustible base product.

Level 3 Aerosol – Greater than 55% by weight of non-water miscible flammable base product.

Please note an individual storage area (ISA) is defined as “an area occupied by piles, bin boxes, racks or shelves, including subsidiary aisles providing access to the stored products which is separated from adjacent storage by aisles not less than 2.4 m in width”.

OSHA recognizes two types of storage for aerosols cages.

1. Type A
   • Requirements consist of:
     • One or more “individual storage areas” separated from the remainder of the building by non-combustible partitions that are at least 3.8 mm steel wire, woven with a 2” wire density.
     • Minimum 8’ aisles for rack storage of level 2 & 3 aerosols.
     • Cages must extend from floor to ceiling or be completely enclosed with a ceiling.
     • The site must include sprinklers.
2. Type B
   • Requirements consist of:
     • One or more “individual storage areas” separated from the remainder of the building by non-combustible partitions that are at least 3.8 mm steel wire, woven with a 2” wire density.
     • Minimum 8’ aisles for rack storage of level 2 & 3 aerosols.
     • Cages must extend from floor to ceiling or be completely enclosed with a ceiling.
     • The site must include sprinklers.

By investing in an aerosol storage cage, you are taking a proactive step in ensuring the safety of your employees and property, as well as abiding by regulatory compliance. If you are in need of an aerosol storage cage, contact a W.W. Cannon sales team member today for a free quote. Our team will work with you to find the best solution for your needs, ensuring your workplace remains safe and compliant.