Learn how to prevent explosions in shipping containers used outside the shipping industry: www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/hazard-alerts/preventing-explosions-shipping-containers
I put a 40ft container on my hunting property for storage. I use to get condensation really bad until I put 4 vents in. one in each corner. now it stays dry and no fumes
I use a container for storage and did notice fumes building up when I had been away for a month. I added a Nicro day/night solar vent to the top of my unit and a very small covered air intake that is weather and bug proof. The vent is on the far end top an the intake is on the bottom near the front. This vent runs continuously and I have not had a problem since. They keep the fumes out and the air circulation keeps the moisture levels low. These vents are usually found on boats and can be found at boating supply stores for under $200.
And don't ventilate with fans etc. Occasionally people think they are doing the best thing by adding electric fans to the venting and very rarely do they realize that the motor creates sparks. Passive ventilation or intrinsically safe/explosion proof fans if necessary.
I have worked in maintenance for years for cities and school districts. Watching the propane explosion incident brought me back to all the times I had to fight with people to not store propane tanks in enclosed spaces: I'm talking fighting with school principals, etc. It's remarkable how much people disregard safety because they just have to have some sort of convenience. If I had a nickel for every time I had to claim "Fire Code Violation" and have it answered with a groan and a rolling of the eyes...
So fuel isn't unsafe unproper strorage is. The container is a contributing risk. You may listen. The container has no ventilation. This wouldn't happened in a wood shed. It would just burned down.
I put about 10 2" round soffit vents from Lowe's along the top of my 40' high cube. 2" hole saw and silicone them in. Works great no more gas smell from toys.
Thanks, I know some are saying "common sense" but in reality, these accidents, while preventable, are more preventable with education pieces like this video. Good reminders.
Okay, glad I clicked on this-I hadn’t really considered much about ventilation until I set up a torch or welder. I’m now going to put in two vents when I get my container, one fairly low just in case of heavy gasses and one up higher that I’ll use to hook up a fan for a vent hood...and place them on opposite ends/sides for max cross ventilation. As long as there’s something to prevent rain/snow/animal entry I can always add some sort of baffle later to reduce air flow if it’s too much
I remember seeing a US Coast Guard safety poster back in the late '60's talking about the dangers of gasoline fumes in confined spaces aboard boats. The idea was to get boaters to run their blowers for several minutes before starting the engine, in order to properly disperse any gasoline fumes. The poster also stated that one cup of liquid gasoline, that was allowed to vaporize in a confined area or space, when ignited, was equivalent to 5 sticks of dynamite.
Urbicide I am highly skeptical of that dynamite comparison. Dynamite is a High Explosive which detonates with shattering force expanding in excess of the speed of sound. Gasoline is merely highly flammable and will deflagrate at a comparatively much lower speed than dynamite.
Syclone0044 gasoline is highly energetic and is absolutely capable of these kinds of forces. Know it alls like you.... don’t be so sure of yourself. You don’t sound like any kind of explosion scientist. When nobody should be listening to your opinion you should keep it to yourself.
Dynamite comparison is not that far off, in the end you have fuel/oxidizer mix going off, energy contained in the boom depends on the raw mass more than anything. Gasoline fumes, flour dust or dynamite, its the mass that makes most impact. Wouldn't take "stick of dynamite" as any kind of yardstick however, how much nitroglycerin is actually in one stick varies quite a lot. Detonation velocities do matter when it comes to explosives, if you are trying to propel a projectile, make a shaped charge or something like this. If it comes to shipping container blowing up, you are more worried about the raw energy.
Syclone0044 I was in a house fire when I was 11 years old do to a gallon of gas blowing up in front of a gas water heater the fireman said that a gallon of gas is equivalent to a stick of dynamite blowing up
They are all vented in the top left wall as u enter. I'm surprised they aren't aware. There's nothing wrong with these containers, it's what people are putting in them. You must never store propane or flammable materials indoor.
Good video! Most people are ignorant of proper flammable storage. Don't store flammables in structures. I built my dual-container shop with all flammables stored outdoors in proper steel lockers. I left my inert shielding gas cylinders inside but I'm the sole user and should I need to inert the interior in case of fire I plan to slice the hoses, open the regulators then shut the doors.
Main issue is wood floor treated with serious pesticides that are harmful if exposed for extended periods. Surprised that was not discussed. Well known in the tiny home community.
This was about basic fire safety, not eventual toxic issues. To my knowledge newer generation (whatever that is) of shipping containers uses other sorts of poison, less toxic. But haven't found any completely reliable sources...
I have been telling people to be cautious about making stuff from pallets ,you don't know what chemical is soaked into the wood like pesticides, fertilizer and such because you don't want to breath in the dust and fumes or have it in your home.
I was expecting them to talk about oil soaked rags igniting or people inhaling fumes, simple things that most people already know to avoid. Had no idea these things posed such a risk in terms of flammable vapors. Good info thats now permanently filed away.
I bought a couple 40' containers for $3.20/sf. They have been very useful, for shop and storage. Ironically, these containers are one of the acceptable ways to store explosives in the US. I would suggest installing a breakaway end door to relieve rapid pressure buildup.
Siphon vent, use 3" pvc 6" off the floor vented 6" from the roof out a wall and a sperate vent on the other end. The idea is to pull the heavy vapors off the floor and pull in fresh air with thermal differentiation.
Doubt it, the people that don't read warning labels on Equipment and Gasoline or LPG containers won't bother watching a video that explains half way through about the dangers of storing flammable goods inside sealed containers.
I got locked in a shipping container at the end of the work day on a construction site a few years ago. Was taking off my tool belt at the back end and the guy locking it up didn’t see me. Luckily he didn’t have earplugs in and heard me slamming on the door by the time I made it to the other end. Never thought about how they are air tight. Didn’t even have my cell phone on me, could’ve been bad.
At 1:26, it's not "pressure" that is building inside the container, it is the concentration of explosive gases. These things are not hermetically sealed, and will always be at the same pressure as outside. They will not vent though, and that is one of the problems. Even with volatile fumes, barring an ignition source, spontaneous ignition is relatively uncommon.
Actually a lot of them come really close to that. OSHA even classifies them as a confined space for occupational safety reasons. They are just air tight enough to allow vapors to buildup on a hot day. If the temperature and vapor build up is right, and a static electric spark from the convective fumes to initiate combustion. It's a well documented and common cause of fire in the southern US States. A shipping container is as dangerous as a near empty oil or gas drum that's not grounded properly.
what phillip said. many of them even have rubber strips around the doors depending on what was being transported. Remember that not every container is identical.
Most hazards are caused by lack of ventillation and storing flammable and explosive materials in them while the storage containers are in direct sunlight
Im buying a container to store my stuff in until my new house is built. I never planned on storing chemicals or gas in it, AND now that ive seen this, it definitly inforces my plans not to do that.
Very important information. I imagin that a lot of shipping containers used for storage actually do have enough gasoline or propane in them to be dangerous. Ventilation is important, vents at the top of the container and the bottom of the container would allow for natural convection. Propane fumes being heavier than air would go out the lower vent holes and gasoline fumes being lighter than air would rise up through the top vent holes. An added benefit would be the removal of any other fumes in particular water vapor which will accumulate in a container and caused a lot of damage. Also the internal over pressure issues would be almost eliminated. That Common Sense also allows you to use information from sources that you may not particularly like.
Thank you for this video, I have seen so many people in my rural area using shipping containers to store these explosive substances... Hope this message gets around...
Another hazard they do not mention is using it as an underground bunker without knowing how it is incapable of being buried without proper reinforcements to withstand the weight of earth around an on top of it.
their not designed to be buried the roof and walls will never hold against the weight of earth with heavy reinforcement, it would probably be cheaper to have something made from scratch if you want to bury it.
Except that the container offers a large airtight space for the gasoline to vaporize while being mixed with enough oxygen to combust, this doesn't happen in a ventilated or small enclosed space.
No, because most places aren’t air tight. Your garage, shed etc. won’t hold onto gasoline vapours, it would just mix with air and get vented through any openings.
So my 3 Gallon "Plastic" Gas Can which sits out in the Sun these fumes can not burst through. Highly Doubtful a cup of gas will blow off Welded, Latched & Locked 250lb steel doors. That shit ain't happening man..
It's quite possible. If the air within the container had also expanded due to heating then the pressure inside the container would have been higher than the pressure outside. Add to that a sudden expansion of gasses(even a small explosion) and this sudden expansion would be translated into a catastrophic breaking at the weak point i.e. the doors. Just think of how little gunpowder there is in a bullet casing and the small amount of energy released in the confined spacing of the cartridge which then translates into a bullet flying with deadly energy. It's not the amount of propellant that is dangerous it's the contained environment in which the gasses expand that cause the danger.
I could be wrong, but there is probably a good reason why the containers are airtight and there is probably a way to ship hazardous materials? Maybe follow the rules??
I do think this video brings up an issue that many don't consider. But it seems to be a bit more fear centered than fix centered. Some shipping containers are vented. This is an issue that has been considered by the manufactures. It isn't hard to add a vent if you will be storing something that could vaporize. All in all I think shipping containers make wonderful inexpensive storage.
They our sold here ALL THE TIME without issue by many company's that face serious liability issues if they were dangerous and fitted with passive ventilation to suit the intended use Its is also quite common to have them refitted with a standard roll up steel garage door
I learned to respect the power of vaporised gasoline when I was in 6th grade and we had a demonstration of fire safety by the local fire department. One of the firemen casually lit a cigarette and began puffing on it - in those days it wasn't uncommon even in schools for adults to smoke on the premises. The other fireman used an eyedropper to put *_one drop_* of gasoline into a short length of galvanised water pipe that had been mounted vertically on a board. He then took the cigarette from the first fireman, and using tweezers dropped the glowing butt down the water pipe. It went off with a loud report, like a shotgun, shooting shreds of tobacco and paper nearly to the ceiling of the multipurpose room.
OK, I’m not very bright, I’m looking at getting a container to park my lawn mower and golf cart in it. My inspection of the container showed it had several vents. I[m unclear how much venting would avoid the noted problems. Sounds like I may have to have a couple of vents cut into the sides. How large should a vents on a 20 ft container be?
I have a 20 ft and those vents get clogged up with all kinds of gunk, so you can try to blow them out, but I would also cut in some vents. I also have holes in mine from previous owner but I do not store gas/propane etc in it, just grains, straw and woodchips so damn near as dangerous.
Find good quality vents for houses.. 10 cm diameter should be sufficient. Two mounted diagonal, perhaps one above the floor, if storing propan. Perhaps your insurance company, or fire department has important opinions worth noticing..
These incidents cited are to be noted. They have one from 2011. They have one from 2013. At the same time, the numbers of these containers that are being used in all sorts of applications all over the world is astronomical, and they are incredibly useful for many applications. Not that I am saying they are the most wonderful things on the planet, they have a number of disadvantages. I'd have to say that the number of times people were killed or wounded in container mishaps would be about 1/50th the number of times people are killed in house fires and probably 1/200th the number of times people are killed or wounded in cars.
Maybe the amount of people living and working 24/7 in these boxes are completely different to your examples? Would you recommend flight safety to be shortened, just because no one is living in those boxes?
I had no idea about the limited quantities that are needed for this hazard. I will install ventilation in all storage containers and store fuel elsewhere.
New containers have vents down the entire thing. You have to pay about 5k for one instead of an old busted model for 2k, but trust me, you save yourself a lot of work when you get a new one trip that has the vents, fresh paint and no rust, and the floors don't reek of formaldehyde.
For those of you without an ounce of common sense or for all those out there who work in insurance, get ready to ramp up those policy premiums. There's thousands of these things being used all the time without issue.
Nope. I own 3 shipping container and they all came with no vents and rubber seals around the doors. These things have just enough air tightness to have pressure differences with changes in atmospheric pressures. My first shipping container was a real bear to open as the doors were sucked inward by partial vacuum on a cooling day. I had to aim a construction heater at it to heat of the container a bit to equalize the internal pressure. I could have just cut a hole in it with my blow torch but I never knew what was inside left over. OSHA classifies shipping containers as confined spaces for work safety reasons.
I learned that from watching MaCGyver on Television in the 1980's there was an episode where a small shed was detonated and completely Destroyed with just a few sprays from a Spray Bottle .
Store gas powered equipment in a shed next to the container or add cross venting to allow air movement. The explosions happen due to expansion as I recall. As far as being secure, they are as secure as the guy with an angle grinder. The other issue is the floor and chemicals used to kill bugs. Then again open the door of a new car on a hot day, I’m sure that cocktail of chemicals can’t be good either.
my container has a solar system in it. It powers many things but the brushless vent fan is wired directly to the panels so that as long as the sun shines, there is venting. My main worry is hydrogen gas from the batteries....10 years now and no problems.
Vizerei ....isnt that always what they do? We have been restrained by so many laws at this point that those responsible for enforcing such laws arent even capable of doing so. They arent even able to familiarize themselves effectively in order to properly do their jobs. We, as a society, have truly lost direction. We no longer implement laws for general order and safety, but have somehow transitioned to creating laws that try and “fix” every possible danger, inconvenience, or misbehavior known to man. That is an impossibility....and as a result we are now unable to effectively enforce the laws that matter.
john smith ypur car is a moving object with momentum. The container is a steadfast object. Unless you do something extremely foolish theres an extremely low chance of it magically exploding.
Wow, this video addresses a number of very real HACCP concerns! I've wondered that there might be any number of potential safety hazards, when utilizing unmodified ship containers as storage units. I've considered the possibility of spontaneous combustion and explosive fumes, but this video enlightened me to specific hazards that I hadn't yet considered. Good work! Thank you for watching out for people's safety and well-being.
This is unexpected. I have a few containers and they all have vents. Maybe when they are old the vents get clogged. Something to be aware of and i need to check that soon.
Isn't there a type of ventilation system that welders use to suck all the fumes Out? (I feel like that's a bit of an understatement or something) but couldn't a mechanism like that be installed in these containers?
There are even passive one way vents that push open when pressure builds unintentionally or otherwise... Even passive / resudual heat will want to expand... Exhaust vents first then finish with intake, both powered...
you missed the point. at no point does anyone say don't use shipping containers. this is a video for adults considering re-using a shipping container for a structure and the hazards of it. You can fix it with vents, that's all there is to it. stop your whining.
No one is born knowing everything there is to know about everything, especially those who act like they have been born that way. Thats why is good this videos of this are produce and made public. The problem is that anyone considering purchasing one is unlikely to see it. So it's not unreasonable to require those marketing this hand out a one sheet flyer to shoppers. Here in the middle of the lower 48 the c asking price of these containers is so expensive an acomplished DIY type could construct 2 car garage for the noney
What about parking an ATV inside a shipping container? Is it dangerous if the ATV has fuel in it? A handful of people I know use their shipping containers as a ATV lockup each night.
I found on Google 11 things to look out for when purchasing a shipping container. 1 of them involved The Institute of International Container Lessors, which is an organization that sends out inspectors to check whether shipping containers are up to code/spec. Those companies that sell shipping containers can tell you anything they want! ...always request documentation to their claims and if they can't provide it on-the-spot, then that means you'll have to hire your own. Also I live in a coastal region, which I have to take in the factor of having higher salt air quality, which Corten Steel is something you should inquire about, when it comes to what "kind-of steel" the shipping container is made from. They may say things like: "Cargo Worthy" or "Wind-Water-Tight" ...also things that should be specified/documented. Buying a shipping container doesn't have to be such a chore ...or should it turn out to be such a nightmare. --but taking a few steps can protect you, other's, and your investment.
Great video. People should know better, proper venting has to be done with any sort of combustible. Different story if your just storing old junk furniture or metal in there...
I have to tell you. I had a first generation aluminum shipping container, original to USA Lines, and I stored gas, propane, and a diesel tractor in it. The tempature outside would be 100° and I never had an explosion. That being said, when I get my new container I will be venting it for my comfort, but I think you have taken a very few examples of catastrophic failures to be the norm and that simply is not true.
Some real stupid people out there if they couldn't see that coming.... In that case how is it they have the money to by them being that short sighted? That's just stupidity.
Lol never had that problem because I am not a idiot like these other people. I have a generator and 4 wheelers, dirt bikes and snow machines in mine and I cut vent holes in mine. It does not take a rocket scientist to know about this. Hell in Kenny lake k-12th here in Alaska they tought us this.
The issue here is NO VENTILATION ... You said these containers are water tight which means they have no ventilation. So as it gets hot outside, the temperature inside these units can go sky high which increases inside air pressure which increases fuel vaporization .... Now you have LOTS of fuel vapors inside this unit and all it takes is one tiny spark to ignite it ... Next you don't close the gas can 100% ... you leave it slightly open to allow the gas can to expand and contract, aka, let it breathe ... If you close that tank cap all the way, now you trap the air inside of it not allowing to breathe and now the pressure builds inside of it from the heat ..
I should imagine the same applies to any building , shed, outhouse, garage or whatever without the appropriate ventilation. Are you saying that its only shipping containers that pose a deadly risk if the correct procedures are not put in place to avoid situations like the ones you just described. Educate people on how to avoid hazards and what to do to prevent dangerous situations by making sure enclosed areas used for storing combustible materials are properly ventilated!
One of the ways people are repurposing the shipping containers is to turn them into tiny homes. Many of the shipping containers have wood flooring that was treated with chlordane. Chlordane is a biocide, it was outlawed back in the late 70s, possibly early 80s. Nonetheless, it's really bad stuff and those looking at repurposing an older shipping container should look for a tag on the inside of the door of the container to see a list of the materials that were used to construct the unit. I have seen in many containers a list that shows the information such as date of construction and materials that were used. You damn sure would not want to sand these wood floors. As far as using them for storage, simple vents and Common Sense will go a long ways.
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Learn how to prevent explosions in shipping containers used outside the shipping industry: www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/hazard-alerts/preventing-explosions-shipping-containers
I put a 40ft container on my hunting property for storage. I use to get condensation really bad until I put 4 vents in. one in each corner. now it stays dry and no fumes
I put 2 20 footers on my land. They both have lots of vents.
What vents did you buy?
I use a container for storage and did notice fumes building up when I had been away for a month. I added a Nicro day/night solar vent to the top of my unit and a very small covered air intake that is weather and bug proof. The vent is on the far end top an the intake is on the bottom near the front. This vent runs continuously and I have not had a problem since. They keep the fumes out and the air circulation keeps the moisture levels low. These vents are usually found on boats and can be found at boating supply stores for under $200.
you could make your own solar vent for like 30 bucks. it's a fan attached to a solar panel with a battery
@@DnBastard Buy Chinese only $9.99
Well done.
@DnBastard that is also under $200.
Way under.
Thanks you. Knew I wanted ventilation. You made it easier
Cut with a grinder.
Buy vents from home depot.
Intall 4 in all the corners.
Thanks for the psa.👍
Those vents are for houses, not shipping containers. That doesn't mean someone can't make one.
Jim Duffin u forgot to think abiut why tf thered do much metal used for support to not cave in cutting slits would most likely maje it not as strong
The vent doesn't know where it's being installed and will surely vent a shipping container.
or just
Cut with a grinder.
done
lol
did that.
So, for those of you who have NO COMMON SENSE, don't put combustible materials, explosives, etc in an enclosed space with no ventilation.
And don't ventilate with fans etc. Occasionally people think they are doing the best thing by adding electric fans to the venting and very rarely do they realize that the motor creates sparks. Passive ventilation or intrinsically safe/explosion proof fans if necessary.
never ever leave something like gasoline or propane in a enclosed space, do people not read the warnings and use a braincell or two.
I have worked in maintenance for years for cities and school districts. Watching the propane explosion incident brought me back to all the times I had to fight with people to not store propane tanks in enclosed spaces: I'm talking fighting with school principals, etc. It's remarkable how much people disregard safety because they just have to have some sort of convenience. If I had a nickel for every time I had to claim "Fire Code Violation" and have it answered with a groan and a rolling of the eyes...
Rollo Larson Or none at all. Common sense isn't so common any more either
The very simple answer is vent the container. Its important anyway to hold down moisture
Shipping containers are not unsafe. Improper storage of fuel in houses garages sheds car trunks campers etc is a universal hazard.
The enclosed nature of containers make the stakes higher.
So fuel isn't unsafe unproper strorage is.
The container is a contributing risk. You may listen.
The container has no ventilation.
This wouldn't happened in a wood shed. It would just burned down.
@@paxundpeace9970 not necessarily. A sealed box will still explode if the interior is mostly vaporized fuel and a spark is introduced.
I put about 10 2" round soffit vents from Lowe's along the top of my 40' high cube. 2" hole saw and silicone them in. Works great no more gas smell from toys.
Thanks, I know some are saying "common sense" but in reality, these accidents, while preventable, are more preventable with education pieces like this video. Good reminders.
I have no idea how I ended up here, but this was a strangely interesting and educational video.
I'm grateful that someone put out a video dealing with this aspect of fire safety and containers. Thank you very much!
All it takes is common sense............... but, the USA have a major uneducated population problem.... so people are Stupid....
Okay, glad I clicked on this-I hadn’t really considered much about ventilation until I set up a torch or welder. I’m now going to put in two vents when I get my container, one fairly low just in case of heavy gasses and one up higher that I’ll use to hook up a fan for a vent hood...and place them on opposite ends/sides for max cross ventilation. As long as there’s something to prevent rain/snow/animal entry I can always add some sort of baffle later to reduce air flow if it’s too much
They hate chicken wire.
I remember seeing a US Coast Guard safety poster back in the late '60's talking about the dangers of gasoline fumes in confined spaces aboard boats. The idea was to get boaters to run their blowers for several minutes before starting the engine, in order to properly disperse any gasoline fumes. The poster also stated that one cup of liquid gasoline, that was allowed to vaporize in a confined area or space, when ignited, was equivalent to 5 sticks of dynamite.
Urbicide I am highly skeptical of that dynamite comparison. Dynamite is a High Explosive which detonates with shattering force expanding in excess of the speed of sound. Gasoline is merely highly flammable and will deflagrate at a comparatively much lower speed than dynamite.
Syclone0044 gasoline is highly energetic and is absolutely capable of these kinds of forces. Know it alls like you.... don’t be so sure of yourself. You don’t sound like any kind of explosion scientist. When nobody should be listening to your opinion you should keep it to yourself.
Dynamite comparison is not that far off, in the end you have fuel/oxidizer mix going off, energy contained in the boom depends on the raw mass more than anything. Gasoline fumes, flour dust or dynamite, its the mass that makes most impact. Wouldn't take "stick of dynamite" as any kind of yardstick however, how much nitroglycerin is actually in one stick varies quite a lot.
Detonation velocities do matter when it comes to explosives, if you are trying to propel a projectile, make a shaped charge or something like this. If it comes to shipping container blowing up, you are more worried about the raw energy.
Syclone0044 I was in a house fire when I was 11 years old do to a gallon of gas blowing up in front of a gas water heater the fireman said that a gallon of gas is equivalent to a stick of dynamite blowing up
Urbicide correct gas in a liquid form is far less volatile than an actual gas state its basic chemistry
You've got to admire academics. It takes real learning to dress up common sense in such technical language.
YUP
Youd be surprised how much R&D goes into simple things. Dont be mad because you don’t understand it
Wow! This never crossed my mind. Thanks for the info. I'm going today to check what is our containers.
So just make sure I install some vents to use it for my motorcycle and tools?
You would want a vent to prevent moister, at least I would.
And vents low down as well as at ceiling level for gases both heavier and lighter than atmospheric air.
They are all vented in the top left wall as u enter. I'm surprised they aren't aware.
There's nothing wrong with these containers, it's what people are putting in them. You must never store propane or flammable materials indoor.
I have vents in both of mine. Works great. I keep a gas can in one.
Anthony Alit you can actually buy one with vents
I'm pretty sure ANY enclosed space will explode if you let gas fumes build up and it ignites.
yeah, but it's something to keep in mind when making a container shed, those things are airtight.
Just Install some vents and s'all gucci.
Good video! Most people are ignorant of proper flammable storage.
Don't store flammables in structures. I built my dual-container shop with all flammables stored outdoors in proper steel lockers. I left my inert shielding gas cylinders inside but I'm the sole user and should I need to inert the interior in case of fire I plan to slice the hoses, open the regulators then shut the doors.
Main issue is wood floor treated with serious pesticides that are harmful if exposed for extended periods. Surprised that was not discussed. Well known in the tiny home community.
This was about basic fire safety, not eventual toxic issues. To my knowledge newer generation (whatever that is) of shipping containers uses other sorts of poison, less toxic. But haven't found any completely reliable sources...
I have been telling people to be cautious about making stuff from pallets ,you don't know what chemical is soaked into the wood like pesticides, fertilizer and such because you don't want to breath in the dust and fumes or have it in your home.
Very well done video!
These containers are used in all industries and for private use!
Great job
I was expecting them to talk about oil soaked rags igniting or people inhaling fumes, simple things that most people already know to avoid. Had no idea these things posed such a risk in terms of flammable vapors. Good info thats now permanently filed away.
key takeaway: ventilate. bottom and top for lighter than air and heavier than air gasses (like propane)
I bought a couple 40' containers for $3.20/sf. They have been very useful, for shop and storage.
Ironically, these containers are one of the acceptable ways to store explosives in the US. I would suggest installing a breakaway end door to relieve rapid pressure buildup.
Siphon vent, use 3" pvc 6" off the floor vented 6" from the roof out a wall and a sperate vent on the other end. The idea is to pull the heavy vapors off the floor and pull in fresh air with thermal differentiation.
You might of saved lives with this video. Thankyou for the content!
Doubt it, the people that don't read warning labels on Equipment and Gasoline or LPG containers won't bother watching a video that explains half way through about the dangers of storing flammable goods inside sealed containers.
I got locked in a shipping container at the end of the work day on a construction site a few years ago. Was taking off my tool belt at the back end and the guy locking it up didn’t see me. Luckily he didn’t have earplugs in and heard me slamming on the door by the time I made it to the other end. Never thought about how they are air tight. Didn’t even have my cell phone on me, could’ve been bad.
Bad luck.. 🙈 Actually there is ventilation in shipping containers, just too small for efficient ventilation of flammable vapours.
Eye opening video. It helped me be safer as my friends and I ponder doing some of the things shown here that end in catastrophic fails
At 1:26, it's not "pressure" that is building inside the container, it is the concentration of explosive gases. These things are not hermetically sealed, and will always be at the same pressure as outside. They will not vent though, and that is one of the problems. Even with volatile fumes, barring an ignition source, spontaneous ignition is relatively uncommon.
Actually a lot of them come really close to that. OSHA even classifies them as a confined space for occupational safety reasons. They are just air tight enough to allow vapors to buildup on a hot day. If the temperature and vapor build up is right, and a static electric spark from the convective fumes to initiate combustion. It's a well documented and common cause of fire in the southern US States. A shipping container is as dangerous as a near empty oil or gas drum that's not grounded properly.
what phillip said. many of them even have rubber strips around the doors depending on what was being transported. Remember that not every container is identical.
Most hazards are caused by lack of ventillation and storing flammable and explosive materials in them while the storage containers are in direct sunlight
I'm sure this was the pilot for a WorkSafe TV series.
Episode two is the hazards of sleeping in a refrigerated container. It's a chilling story.
i thought that was funny even if no one else did ,,,
Im buying a container to store my stuff in until my new house is built. I never planned on storing chemicals or gas in it, AND now that ive seen this, it definitly inforces my plans not to do that.
install vents, youre good.
Very important information. I imagin that a lot of shipping containers used for storage actually do have enough gasoline or propane in them to be dangerous. Ventilation is important, vents at the top of the container and the bottom of the container would allow for natural convection. Propane fumes being heavier than air would go out the lower vent holes and gasoline fumes being lighter than air would rise up through the top vent holes. An added benefit would be the removal of any other fumes in particular water vapor which will accumulate in a container and caused a lot of damage. Also the internal over pressure issues would be almost eliminated. That Common Sense also allows you to use information from sources that you may not particularly like.
Thank you for this video, I have seen so many people in my rural area using shipping containers to store these explosive substances... Hope this message gets around...
Checking in the the US, thank you for these vids! Recently worked my way through you forestry vids as well, top notch 🥇
Another hazard they do not mention is using it as an underground bunker without knowing how it is incapable of being buried without proper reinforcements to withstand the weight of earth around an on top of it.
their not designed to be buried the roof and walls will never hold against the weight of earth with heavy reinforcement, it would probably be cheaper to have something made from scratch if you want to bury it.
So a litre of gas is enough to cause an explosion inside a shipping container... Just like how it will literally anywhere else.
Except that the container offers a large airtight space for the gasoline to vaporize while being mixed with enough oxygen to combust, this doesn't happen in a ventilated or small enclosed space.
No, because most places aren’t air tight. Your garage, shed etc. won’t hold onto gasoline vapours, it would just mix with air and get vented through any openings.
So my 3 Gallon "Plastic" Gas Can which sits out in the Sun these fumes can not burst through. Highly Doubtful a cup of gas will blow off Welded, Latched & Locked 250lb steel doors.
That shit ain't happening man..
Nova, The gas can doesn't have an ignition source, dumbass. Nothing in this video was incorrect.
It's quite possible.
If the air within the container had also expanded due to heating then the pressure inside the container would have been higher than the pressure outside. Add to that a sudden expansion of gasses(even a small explosion) and this sudden expansion would be translated into a catastrophic breaking at the weak point i.e. the doors.
Just think of how little gunpowder there is in a bullet casing and the small amount of energy released in the confined spacing of the cartridge which then translates into a bullet flying with deadly energy.
It's not the amount of propellant that is dangerous it's the contained environment in which the gasses expand that cause the danger.
It sure gets you thinking...videos like this keep you on your toes...good job
Add some air vents???
I could be wrong, but there is probably a good reason why the containers are airtight and there is probably a way to ship hazardous materials? Maybe follow the rules??
I work with shipping containers daily and they all have vents.some have 2.4 or even 8 when they are manufactured
I would make Vents on the sides along the Top of the Container, with a fine mesh screen to keep the Wasps from getting in.
She is beautiful. Her technical speech was nice to listen too as well. Good to know, keep the vapors out.
I do think this video brings up an issue that many don't consider. But it seems to be a bit more fear centered than fix centered. Some shipping containers are vented. This is an issue that has been considered by the manufactures. It isn't hard to add a vent if you will be storing something that could vaporize. All in all I think shipping containers make wonderful inexpensive storage.
Inexpensive? Where?
Make sure you screen in the vents keep bugs from getting inside
So the moral of the story , leaking gas and propane is dangerous and don't put it next to house burning down
no it's ventilate your container if you plan on using it as a structure.
Unless a course yer a Brit and live in Enderby
Maryland requires fireworks to be stored in these with the walls covered with plywood
So it's important to install a few vents when you purchase a shipping container. Good info and a good video.
finally someone who isn't a moron
I will be storing several pieces of lawn and garden equipment in my container. I hope to get it delivered this week.
Thanks for the information, any address available? 😎
This is about number 20 million on a list of things one needs to worry about.
Excellent warning video! Thanks!
They our sold here ALL THE TIME without issue by many company's that face serious liability issues if they were dangerous and fitted with passive ventilation to suit the intended use
Its is also quite common to have them refitted with a standard roll up steel garage door
Um. One way containers are usually the ones with this problem.
thats the point of the video, gas build up can happen if its not ventilated. end of.
I learned to respect the power of vaporised gasoline when I was in 6th grade and we had a demonstration of fire safety by the local fire department. One of the firemen casually lit a cigarette and began puffing on it - in those days it wasn't uncommon even in schools for adults to smoke on the premises. The other fireman used an eyedropper to put *_one drop_* of gasoline into a short length of galvanised water pipe that had been mounted vertically on a board. He then took the cigarette from the first fireman, and using tweezers dropped the glowing butt down the water pipe. It went off with a loud report, like a shotgun, shooting shreds of tobacco and paper nearly to the ceiling of the multipurpose room.
the amount of gasoline exploding in your engine is even less than that and it can produce hundreds of horsepower
OK, I’m not very bright, I’m looking at getting a container to park my lawn mower and golf cart in it. My inspection of the container showed it had several vents. I[m unclear how much venting would avoid the noted problems. Sounds like I may have to have a couple of vents cut into the sides. How large should a vents on a 20 ft container be?
I have a 20 ft and those vents get clogged up with all kinds of gunk, so you can try to blow them out, but I would also cut in some vents. I also have holes in mine from previous owner but I do not store gas/propane etc in it, just grains, straw and woodchips so damn near as dangerous.
Find good quality vents for houses.. 10 cm diameter should be sufficient. Two mounted diagonal, perhaps one above the floor, if storing propan. Perhaps your insurance company, or fire department has important opinions worth noticing..
These incidents cited are to be noted. They have one from 2011. They have one from 2013. At the same time, the numbers of these containers that are being used in all sorts of applications all over the world is astronomical, and they are incredibly useful for many applications. Not that I am saying they are the most wonderful things on the planet, they have a number of disadvantages. I'd have to say that the number of times people were killed or wounded in container mishaps would be about 1/50th the number of times people are killed in house fires and probably 1/200th the number of times people are killed or wounded in cars.
Maybe the amount of people living and working 24/7 in these boxes are completely different to your examples?
Would you recommend flight safety to be shortened, just because no one is living in those boxes?
I had no idea about the limited quantities that are needed for this hazard. I will install ventilation in all storage containers and store fuel elsewhere.
New containers have vents down the entire thing. You have to pay about 5k for one instead of an old busted model for 2k, but trust me, you save yourself a lot of work when you get a new one trip that has the vents, fresh paint and no rust, and the floors don't reek of formaldehyde.
Including the higher sale price and faster sale.. Cheap isn't always the smartest solution, often the opposite.
For those of you without an ounce of common sense or for all those out there who work in insurance, get ready to ramp up those policy premiums. There's thousands of these things being used all the time without issue.
This seems like a scare tactic video the municipality’s would use to ban them
Shipping containers have vents.
Nope. I own 3 shipping container and they all came with no vents and rubber seals around the doors. These things have just enough air tightness to have pressure differences with changes in atmospheric pressures. My first shipping container was a real bear to open as the doors were sucked inward by partial vacuum on a cooling day. I had to aim a construction heater at it to heat of the container a bit to equalize the internal pressure. I could have just cut a hole in it with my blow torch but I never knew what was inside left over. OSHA classifies shipping containers as confined spaces for work safety reasons.
Mine has a high level vent at each corner. Always thought containers were built to the same spec.
Mark Davis I have 2 containers. One is newer and has more vents than the other. They both have them though.
Only for pressurising, not sufficient for ventilation!
I learned that from watching MaCGyver on Television in the 1980's there was an episode where a small shed was detonated and completely Destroyed with just a few sprays from a Spray Bottle .
Store gas powered equipment in a shed next to the container or add cross venting to allow air movement. The explosions happen due to expansion as I recall. As far as being secure, they are as secure as the guy with an angle grinder. The other issue is the floor and chemicals used to kill bugs. Then again open the door of a new car on a hot day, I’m sure that cocktail of chemicals can’t be good either.
as with guns; education, not fear mongering.
and, no, i am not a gun owner!
Insane people have never been known to drag a shipping container to a school !
you showed a great deal of logic and common sense, its a rare thing these days.
I think propane and an ignition source will blow up anything not just shipping containers
That's why your BBQs propane container says to never store indoors, especially in a basement.
Elon Blunt i know, you seem so educated and balanced you must be totally logical and believe the moon landing is fake and the earth is flat, right?
my container has a solar system in it. It powers many things but the brushless vent fan is wired directly to the panels so that as long as the sun shines, there is venting. My main worry is hydrogen gas from the batteries....10 years now and no problems.
Holy shit I had no idea. I’m gonna take venting way more serious now. Thanks for the info.
"let's legislate because a few lacked common sense" sounds reasonable.
Vizerei ....isnt that always what they do? We have been restrained by so many laws at this point that those responsible for enforcing such laws arent even capable of doing so. They arent even able to familiarize themselves effectively in order to properly do their jobs. We, as a society, have truly lost direction. We no longer implement laws for general order and safety, but have somehow transitioned to creating laws that try and “fix” every possible danger, inconvenience, or misbehavior known to man.
That is an impossibility....and as a result we are now unable to effectively enforce the laws that matter.
Vizerei
That’s why there is 100 stickers on a lawnmower warning you not to touch the blade while it’s running.
sounds like BC
Look at me. I'm a do good busy body that wants to control your life.
john smith ypur car is a moving object with momentum. The container is a steadfast object. Unless you do something extremely foolish theres an extremely low chance of it magically exploding.
Wow, this video addresses a number of very real HACCP concerns!
I've wondered that there might be any number of potential safety hazards, when utilizing unmodified ship containers as storage units.
I've considered the possibility of spontaneous combustion and explosive fumes, but this video enlightened me to specific hazards that I hadn't yet considered.
Good work! Thank you for watching out for people's safety and well-being.
I can see people not venting them because they didn't see a TH-cam video about it.
If a small AA battery is inside of a toy in a shipping container will it all explode and cause massive damage?
what about farting, no one ever addresses farters at work places.
Enclosed small room, massive amount of powdered farts
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂omg lol !!!
This is unexpected. I have a few containers and they all have vents. Maybe when they are old the vents get clogged. Something to be aware of and i need to check that soon.
A pressure port is not a vent.
And don't forget when it is manufactured the flooring is soaked in preservatives, fungicides and insecticides that are hazardous to humans.
probably shouldn't lick the floor then!
@@bodeandigs Every now and then I let neighbours dog clean up..
Never had any trouble 🤷🏼
Isn't there a type of ventilation system that welders use to suck all the fumes Out? (I feel like that's a bit of an understatement or something) but couldn't a mechanism like that be installed in these containers?
theoutbackbandit- I've seen some that have those vents that look like chef hats, and the top part spins.
I got a lot to learn about containers I'm interested in buying some containers I got to learn this before I buy containers I'm a beginner thank you😇
Thank you for the information, good to know before I buy one...
Excellent information!! Thanks for sharing.
Opening the doors would ventilate the shipping container, so how would a spark make its way in there?
There are even passive one way vents that push open when pressure builds unintentionally or otherwise... Even passive / resudual heat will want to expand... Exhaust vents first then finish with intake, both powered...
We need to outlaw shipping containers! It's for the children!
Lol
you missed the point. at no point does anyone say don't use shipping containers. this is a video for adults considering re-using a shipping container for a structure and the hazards of it.
You can fix it with vents, that's all there is to it.
stop your whining.
No one is born knowing everything there is to know about everything, especially those who act like they have been born that way. Thats why is good this videos of this are produce and made public. The problem is that anyone considering purchasing one is unlikely to see it. So it's not unreasonable to require those marketing this hand out a one sheet flyer to shoppers. Here in the middle of the lower 48 the c asking price of these containers is so expensive an acomplished DIY type could construct 2 car garage for the noney
waswestkan What's a ballpark figure for a 20ft and 40ft container?
Imagine a container full of surströmming where all the tins had popped open.
That would be a special experience when opening the container.
pls no
Hopefully they put a prop65 warning so California residents don’t try to like the walls.
Thanks for the great, concise video.
What about parking an ATV inside a shipping container? Is it dangerous if the ATV has fuel in it? A handful of people I know use their shipping containers as a ATV lockup each night.
Good info / nice work
this can happen in your home or office... ventilation is the key.
I found on Google 11 things to look out for when purchasing a shipping container. 1 of them involved The Institute of International Container Lessors, which is an organization that sends out inspectors to check whether shipping containers are up to code/spec. Those companies that sell shipping containers can tell you anything they want! ...always request documentation to their claims and if they can't provide it on-the-spot, then that means you'll have to hire your own. Also I live in a coastal region, which I have to take in the factor of having higher salt air quality, which Corten Steel is something you should inquire about, when it comes to what "kind-of steel" the shipping container is made from. They may say things like: "Cargo Worthy" or "Wind-Water-Tight" ...also things that should be specified/documented.
Buying a shipping container doesn't have to be such a chore ...or should it turn out to be such a nightmare. --but taking a few steps can protect you, other's, and your investment.
considering shipping containers are used for... shipping, it's pretty safe to say they don't mind salt. Just get one that has the paint intact.
so put vent holes in them?
Guess I'm cleaning out the containers tomorrow.
be careful out there; this is how fight clubs get started
Good to know this, I'm getting 3 of the big ones to build a container home. I'll make sure I don't do anything like this.
Great video. People should know better, proper venting has to be done with any sort of combustible. Different story if your just storing old junk furniture or metal in there...
I have to tell you. I had a first generation aluminum shipping container, original to USA Lines, and I stored gas, propane, and a diesel tractor in it. The tempature outside would be 100° and I never had an explosion. That being said, when I get my new container I will be venting it for my comfort, but I think you have taken a very few examples of catastrophic failures to be the norm and that simply is not true.
A LOT of ventilation, gotcha.
How about adding venting to them.To make them safe.Like roof vents.If there is a fire it will vent out the roof vents.
Roof vents don't extract gasses that are heavier than air.
Some real stupid people out there if they couldn't see that coming.... In that case how is it they have the money to by them being that short sighted? That's just stupidity.
Lol never had that problem because I am not a idiot like these other people. I have a generator and 4 wheelers, dirt bikes and snow machines in mine and I cut vent holes in mine. It does not take a rocket scientist to know about this. Hell in Kenny lake k-12th here in Alaska they tought us this.
so i can just weld a roof vent and its fine?
roof vent won't vent propane because it's it's heavier than air. roof and floor vents are needed (or top of wall and bottom of wall)
The issue here is NO VENTILATION ... You said these containers are water tight which means they have no ventilation. So as it gets hot outside, the temperature inside these units can go sky high which increases inside air pressure which increases fuel vaporization .... Now you have LOTS of fuel vapors inside this unit and all it takes is one tiny spark to ignite it ...
Next you don't close the gas can 100% ... you leave it slightly open to allow the gas can to expand and contract, aka, let it breathe ... If you close that tank cap all the way, now you trap the air inside of it not allowing to breathe and now the pressure builds inside of it from the heat ..
I should imagine the same applies to any building , shed, outhouse, garage or whatever without the appropriate ventilation. Are you saying that its only shipping containers that pose a deadly risk if the correct procedures are not put in place to avoid situations like the ones you just described.
Educate people on how to avoid hazards and what to do to prevent dangerous situations by making sure enclosed areas used for storing combustible materials are properly ventilated!
How can you prevent this? Drill a hole in the wall?
install proper ventillation. hole won't do anything for circulation
One of the ways people are repurposing the shipping containers is to turn them into tiny homes. Many of the shipping containers have wood flooring that was treated with chlordane. Chlordane is a biocide, it was outlawed back in the late 70s, possibly early 80s. Nonetheless, it's really bad stuff and those looking at repurposing an older shipping container should look for a tag on the inside of the door of the container to see a list of the materials that were used to construct the unit. I have seen in many containers a list that shows the information such as date of construction and materials that were used. You damn sure would not want to sand these wood floors. As far as using them for storage, simple vents and Common Sense will go a long ways.
I still know the smell of chlordane
Painting the floor, with suitable paint, should be enough for containing eventual toxic fumes.
Informative. Thanks for sharing this!
Well heck, even a spoon is dangerous in the wrong hands. Don't fill up an enclosed space with combustible gas and then ignite it. 'Nuf said.
I love reading your comments folks - proof I am not alone in this world.🤣