I needed to get some kerosene but did not have an approved container. In the recycling bin I found an empty Clorox container and used it to carry the kero home (rinsed it out). Can I continue storing the kerosene in the Clorox container or should I transfer it immediatelly?
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jarhead,
I have stored kerosene in plastic for several years; I use white plastic 5 gal buckets for it. If you buy kerosene at the hardware store, it comes in plastic bottles and 'approved' kerosene containers are blue plastic 'gas' cans. However, in the event of a fire, any plastic container of combustible liquid is dangerous whether it be kerosene or gasoline.
FWIW,
JerryJerry
Making High Quality Sawdust in Northeast Plainfield -
The purpose of an approved container is for the identification of the substance (e.g., red is for gasoline). If you had a fire in your garage, a firefighter would easily recognize the hazard from a distance.
If you are willing to take the risk, I guess you could store the kerosene in the Clorox bottle.
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Heidi_Banks camLast edited by newbie2wood; 09-15-2011, 04:44 AM.Comment
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I buy my kerosene at HD and it comes in 5 gal metal buckets with a pour spout.Comment
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Your Clorox container is probably HDPE (high density polyethylene). You can verify this by looking at the bottom of the container. It likely has the letters "HDPE", identifying the material for recycling purposes. (There should be a "2" in the recycling symbol for HDPE).
HDPE is generally tolerant of a number of solvents - you'll notice that it is used for many household chemical containers.
The website http://www.labsafety.com/refinfo/ezfacts/ezf164.htm
lists HDPE as "good" for storing kerosene. I have kerosene in a similar container from a few months back. Just checked it and it doesn't show signs of degradation.
Be sure to mark the container clearly with an indelible marker.Comment
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