Changes in Gasoline Can Design
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urging manufacturers to make gasoline cans more user-friendly. Among the proposals is the addition of ventilation holes that will improve fuel flow. This is an attempt to solve a problem that arose due to numerous regulations that complicated the use of such cans.
Previously, cans were simple: a plastic cap and a removable spout. However, since 2007, EPA regulations forced manufacturers to seal the containers to reduce evaporation, which led to slow fuel pouring. In 2008, Congress passed the Children’s Burn Prevention Act, which required child-proof locks on cans, further complicating their use.
“HOW TO STORE GASOLINE SAFELY AND PROPERLY” by Jay Cork, Family Handyman with expert, Joe Simes, a former deputy chief…
In 2022, new requirements for flame arrestors were added, making the designs even more complex. Now the EPA proposes to bring back ventilation holes, but with an automatic shut-off, to balance safety and convenience.
Many fire codes limit the amount of fuel you can store to 25 gallons total, divided among approved, leak-proof containers with a capacity less than five gallons each.
While these changes do not solve all the problems, they could make everyday use of the cans easier. However, questions remain as to whether these measures are sufficient, given the accumulated design flaws over the years.