Safety Can Compatibility

These carbon steel, stainless steel and polyethylene compatibility guides are designed to help you choose a safety can for your chemical. For reference only. This is not a substitute for the user clearly understanding the nature and proper use of the chemicals being used, area hygiene and environmental conditions, and the laws governing use. Check with the chemical manufacturer for more information. Mixing of different chemicals and chemical concentrations may impact suitability and compatibility. This chart is not a guarantee, express or implied, of fitness of use and CP Lab Safety, Justrite and Eagle assume no responsibility for the use or misuse of this information.

Chemical Name
Galvanized Steel /
Terne Plate Steel
Polyethylene
Stainless Steel
Acetic Acid
N
Y
Y
Acetone
Y*
Y
Y
Aniline
N
Y
Y
Benzene
N
Y
Y
Butadiene
N
N
Y
2-Butanone
Y*
Y
Y
Butylene
Y
N
Y
Chlorofluorocarbons
N
N
Y
Cyclohexane
Y
N
N
Cyclohexanone
N
N
Y
Ethanol
N
Y
Y
Ethyl Acetate
N
Y
Y
Ethyl Ether
Y*
N
Y
Ethylene Glycol
N
Y
Y
Fuel Oil
Y
Y
Y
Gasoline
Y
Y
Y
Heptane
Y
Y
Y
Hexane
Y
N
Y
Kerosene
Y
Y
Y
Methanol
N
Y
Y
Methylene Chloride
N
N
Y
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Y*
N
Y
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone
Y*
Y
Y
Pentane
Y
Y
N
Petroleum Ether
Y
N
Y
Toluene
Y
Y
Y
Trichloroethylene
N
N
Y
Xylene
Y
Y
Y

Y = Yes
N = No

  • Galvanized Steel/Terne Plate: when chemical purity is not critical. Some chemicals may adversely affect paint.
  • Polyethylene for storing acids, caustics and other corrosive chemicals.
  • Stainless Steel: when chemical purity is critical.

CAUTION: Resistance to mixed solvents is unpredictable. This Guide DOES NOT apply to mixtures, even if the can is compatible with all components of the mixture.