Not automatically. Use the can for gasoline only if its manufacturer explicitly approves that exact model for gasoline, it is completely drained and in sound condition, and you follow the maker’s cleaning instructions. If approval or condition is uncertain, use a dedicated, approved gasoline can instead. An empty can may still contain hazardous fuel residue or vapor.
Why a diesel can is not automatically safe for gasoline
Fuel compatibility depends on the exact container, not just its color or the fact that it once held diesel. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires approved containers and portable tanks for flammable liquids under 29 CFR 1910.106. OSHA defines a safety can as an approved container with a capacity of no more than five gallons and a spring-closing lid, spout cover, and pressure-relief design. That does not mean every fuel can—or every can previously used for diesel—is approved for gasoline.
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Color can help prevent mix-ups: manufacturers commonly use red for gasoline and yellow for diesel. But color alone does not establish a can’s approval or fuel compatibility. Check the label and manual for the exact model, including any gasoline restriction and applicable safety listing or transportation designation. OSHA’s construction guidance also calls for approved safety cans or DOT-approved containers when handling flammable liquids in quantities of five gallons or less.
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Check the can before switching fuels
- Identify the exact model. Read the can’s label and manufacturer’s manual. Confirm that gasoline is expressly allowed; note any UL, FM, ULC, or DOT designation and capacity.
- Check its condition. Inspect the cap, gasket, spout, seams, and flame arrester, if fitted. Do not use a can that is damaged, leaking, or missing a component.
- Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning or disposal directions. Drain the diesel completely, but do not assume draining alone makes the can suitable for gasoline. There is no established universal cleaning solvent, rinse procedure, or safe percentage of diesel residue for switching fuels. Do not improvise a water rinse that could leave water in the container.
- Make the call. If the manufacturer does not explicitly approve the can for gasoline, or you cannot verify its condition or instructions, replace it with a dedicated approved gasoline can.
Does a little diesel in the can hurt a mower or generator?
There is no published residue threshold in the cited official and manufacturer guidance that establishes how much diesel is safe to leave before filling with gasoline. Nor does that guidance establish that a particular rinse makes a diesel can safe to convert. Do not rely on a guess about a “small amount”: follow the can maker’s instructions, or use a different can.
#1 Best Overall
- Fits Your Needs - Type I safety cans have a single opening for filling and pouring fluids. They are used to safely store, transport, and dispense flammable liquids.
- Easy to Use - Comes with a funnel to help with filling and pouring. The gasketed spout cap self-closes to prevent leaks or spills, and the cap assembly opens automatically to vent internal vapors
- Safe - Features a fixed handle, double interlock no-weld bottom seam, and a non-sparking flame arrestor that helps prevent liquid inside the can from igniting and keeps flames from spreading
- Compliant - Meets OSHA Standard 1910.106 and NFPA code 30 requirements, FM, UL and ULC approved; lead-free technology featuring environmentally friendly hot dipped 24-gauge galvanized steel
- Made in America - US-Made from galvanized steel which resists rust, dents, and certain chemicals. Has a baked on powder-coat finish that resists scratches, chipping, fading, and other wear
Fill and transport gasoline safely
- Fill outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources.
- Remove the can from the vehicle before filling and set it on the ground. Follow the manufacturer’s static-control instructions.
- Keep the can upright and secure during transport, ventilate the vehicle, and remove the can after the trip.
- Do not store gasoline in a vehicle or attached garage unless local rules and the container instructions expressly allow it.
These precautions matter even when a container seems empty. The UK Health and Safety Executive warns that an empty container that previously held petrol may remain unsafe because fumes can stay inside. A 2025 federal interagency transportation guide likewise notes that empty containers can retain product residue, liquid, or vapor and remain dangerous. Never use a fuel container to start or accelerate a fire; Scepter gives that warning for its containers, including those fitted with a fuel-management device.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Fits Your Needs - Type I safety cans have a single opening for filling and pouring fluids. They are used to safely store, transport, and dispense flammable liquids.
- Easy to Use - Comes with a funnel to help with filling and pouring. The gasketed spout cap self-closes to prevent leaks or spills, and the cap assembly opens automatically to vent internal vapors
- Safe - Features a fixed handle, double interlock no-weld bottom seam, and a non-sparking flame arrestor that helps prevent liquid inside the can from igniting and keeps flames from spreading
- Compliant - Meets OSHA Standard 1910.106 and NFPA code 30 requirements, FM, UL and ULC approved; lead-free technology featuring environmentally friendly hot dipped 24-gauge galvanized steel
- Made in America - US-Made from galvanized steel which resists rust, dents, and certain chemicals. Has a baked on powder-coat finish that resists scratches, chipping, fading, and other wear
Rank #4
- SAFER FLAMMABLE LIQUID STORAGE: Designed for the safe storage, transport, and dispensing of flammable liquids, this Type I safety can reduces fire hazards while supporting safer fuel handling in industrial facilities, workshops, and maintenance operations
- INDUSTRIAL-GRADE DURABILITY: Constructed from 24-gauge galvanized steel with a chemical-resistant powder-coat finish, this leak-tested safety gas can delivers dependable long-term performance in tough work environments
- CONTROLLED POURING DESIGN: A counterbalanced swinging handle and integrated bottom lip provide better balance and greater pouring control. This flammable liquid safety can makes carrying, filling, and dispensing easier during routine fuel handling
- ENHANCED FIRE PROTECTION: A stainless steel flame arrester helps reduce flashback ignition risk during liquid handling. The self-closing lid with automatic positive-pressure relief helps this fuel safety can reduce vapor release and minimize pressure buildup
- INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATIONS: This industrial gas can is FM Approved, UL/ULC Listed, and TÜV Certified. It is designed to support compliance with OSHA and NFPA requirements for flammable liquid handling
Rank #3
- SAFER FLAMMABLE LIQUID STORAGE: Designed for the safe storage, transport, and dispensing of flammable liquids, this Type I safety can reduces fire hazards while supporting safer fuel handling in industrial facilities, workshops, and maintenance operations
- INDUSTRIAL-GRADE DURABILITY: Constructed from 24-gauge galvanized steel with a chemical-resistant powder-coat finish, this leak-tested safety gas can delivers dependable long-term performance in tough work environments
- CONTROLLED POURING DESIGN: A counterbalanced swinging handle and integrated bottom lip provide better balance and greater pouring control. This flammable liquid safety can makes carrying, filling, and dispensing easier during routine fuel handling
- ENHANCED FIRE PROTECTION: A stainless steel flame arrester helps reduce flashback ignition risk during liquid handling. The self-closing lid with automatic positive-pressure relief helps this fuel safety can reduce vapor release and minimize pressure buildup
- INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATIONS: This industrial gas can is FM Approved, UL/ULC Listed, and TÜV Certified. It is designed to support compliance with OSHA and NFPA requirements for flammable liquid handling
Rank #2
- CONTROLLED FUEL TRANSFER: The patented manifold and Safe-Squeeze trigger provide smooth, glug-free dispensing with improved flow control. This safety gas can helps reduce spills and supports more accurate fuel transfer
- INDUSTRIAL-GRADE DURABILITY: Constructed from galvanized steel with a chemical-resistant powder-coat finish, this metal gas can is pressure-tested for reliability and built for repeated use in demanding industrial and commercial environments
- PRECISION POURING CONTROL: This gas safety can features a flexible metal hose that directs fuel into smaller openings with greater accuracy. The ergonomic lift lever also makes refilling faster and more convenient
- ENHANCED FIRE PROTECTION: A stainless steel flame arrester helps reduce flashback ignition risk during flammable liquid handling. The self-closing, leak-tight lid of this metal fuel safety can supports safer storage
- INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATIONS: This industrial gas can is FM Approved, UL/ULC Listed, and TÜV Certified. It is designed to support compliance with OSHA and NFPA requirements for flammable liquid handling
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