Industrial Safety & Compliance · SOP
Aerosol Can Puncturing And Disposal For Damaged Goods
This procedure covers the safe draining, puncturing, and disposal of damaged aerosol cans containing flammable propellants (propane, butane, dimethyl ether) and residual paints, lubricants, or chemicals. Complies with WorkSafeBC OHS Guidelines Part 24 and CSA B351–B352.
Estimated Time
30 min per 12 cans
Difficulty
Intermediate
Regulation
WorkSafeBC WHMIS 2015
Version
1.0
Purpose
To establish a standardized, safe method for handling and disposing of damaged aerosol cans that have dents, leaks, rust, or compromised valve integrity. Proper puncturing prevents accidental ignition during waste compaction and ensures the hazardous residual propellant and liquid are captured for proper disposal in accordance with provincial environmental regulations.
Scope
This SOP applies to all maintenance, paint booth, and hazmat personnel at industrial facilities generating damaged aerosol cans up to 25 oz capacity. It covers the designated puncturing station located in the flammable storage area west of the main loading bay. Does not cover intact, undamaged cans (refer to standard non‑hazardous recycling protocol) or aerosol cans containing chlorinated solvents (requires vapour recovery with activated carbon).
Safety Precautions
- Lock out all electrical equipment within 3 m of the puncturing station before beginning operations. Use a personal lock and tag with your name, date, and reason.
- Flame‑resistant coveralls (minimum 4 oz cotton), ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses with side shields, chemical‑resistant gloves (nitrile over cut‑resistant liner), and steel‑toed boots. Remove all synthetic fabrics and metal jewelry.
- Vapour recovery system must be connected and the carbon filter inspected prior to each batch. Replace filter after 100 punctures or when breakthrough is detected (odour at vent).
- No smoking, open flames, or spark‑producing tools within 10 m. Use only non‑sparking tools (brass, plastic, copper‑beryllium). Ensure bonding and grounding are verified with a resistance meter (< 1 ohm).
- Active leaking cans must be placed in a sealed 20‑L pail and managed as liquid hazardous waste separately. Do not attempt to puncture a leaking can.
Required Tools & Materials
- Approved aerosol can puncturing tool (Aerosolv® 500 or equivalent with CSA/UL listing)
- Grounding kit: 10‑ft copper bonding cable, ground rod, and clamp
- 55‑gallon open‑head steel drum with locking ring and gasket
- Carbon filter cannister rated for hydrocarbon vapour (e.g., 3M™ 60926)
- 3/8″ ID PVC tubing and two hose clamps
- Drill with 3/8″ drill bit (for mounting bracket holes)
- WorkSafeBC‑compliant hazardous waste tags (generator, date, contents)
- Non‑sparking scraper (plastic or brass)
- Ground resistance tester (Fluke 1630 or equivalent)
- Secondary containment tray (polyethylene, 40″ x 30″)
Procedure: Step-by-Step
1
Perform lockout/tagout (LOTO) on any electrical equipment within 3 m of the designated puncturing station. Attach a personal lock and tag to the main disconnect. Record the LOTO in the logbook.
2
Don full PPE as listed in Safety Precautions. Verify no synthetic materials are exposed (e.g., polyester shirt under coveralls is not permitted). Remove metal watches, rings, and piercings.
3
Set up the puncturing station: position the 55‑gallon drum on level, non‑conductive flooring (concrete). Place the secondary containment tray under the drum. Attach the grounding cable from the drum's bottom ring to an approved earth ground rod driven 8 ft into the ground. Measure ground resistance with tester; confirm ≤ 1 ohm.
4
Mount the puncturing device to the drum lid per manufacturer installation guide. Secure with the stainless‑steel bolts provided. Connect one length of PVC tubing from the device's vapour port to the carbon filter cannister inlet. Use hose clamps on both ends. Ensure the tubing has no kinks and a continuous downward slope.
5
Inspect each damaged aerosol can. Look for severe bulging, active liquid or gas leaks, or excessive rust that may compromise structural integrity. Reject any can with active leakage — place it in a separate sealed 20‑L pail labelled "Liquid Hazardous Waste – Aerosol Leaks". Do not attempt to puncture.
6
Take an approved can and ensure the concave bottom (dome) faces upward. Insert the can into the puncturing chamber. Close the locking ring and hand‑tighten until the ring seats fully. Use a calibrated torque wrench to tighten to manufacturer specification (typically 20–30 ft·lb).
7
Actuate the puncturing lever in one smooth, continuous motion. You will hear a hiss as the propellant releases into the vapour recovery system. Watch the pressure gauge: it must drop to zero within 5 seconds. If the gauge remains above zero, do not open the chamber — wait 60 seconds and repeat actuation. If the gauge still reads positive, tag the drum as "Over‑pressurized — do not open" and contact supervisor.
8
After the pressure gauge reads zero, wait an additional 30 seconds to allow any residual liquid to drain into the drum. Open the locking ring and remove the punctured can. Use a non‑sparking scraper to dislodge any stuck residue. Place the empty can in the scrap metal bin labelled "Empty Aerosol Cans – To Recycling". Do not crush the can manually.
9
When the 55‑gallon drum reaches its fill mark (75% capacity), seal the drum with the lid and locking ring. Affix a completed WorkSafeBC hazardous waste tag to the drum handle. Tag must include: generator name, facility ID, contents (e.g., "Mixed flammable liquids – aerosol puncturing residue"), date of first and last puncture, and quantity (estimated gallons).
10
Log the batch in the daily hazardous waste manifest spreadsheet (column: number of cans punctured, estimated liquid volume, filter serial number, operator initials). Replace the carbon filter cannister after every 100 punctures or if odour is detected at the exhaust vent. Dispose of spent filter as hazardous waste per supplier disposal instructions.