The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have published the findings of their investigation into the four commercially available anti-spill spout containers typically used for the storage and issue of petroleum and other hazardous products.
The most interesting, and worrying, find was that of the four tested, only one anti-spill spout device was effective.
The HSE reports that: "Only one of the four devices prevented spillage from over-filling and knocking over; this device has a normally closed push action valve. A study in the US has, however, observed instances of this design of valve failing by sticking in the open position."
Furthermore, one of the devices prevented spillage from over-filling but created spillage when it was removed from the fuel can. A further two of the devices did not prevent spillage from over-filling in the test.
The full report can be found at this link: RR1015 - Assessment of the safety features of adapted plastic fuel container spouts.
Cedrec's take
Bad news for the manufacturers of these devices, however it is best that the findings are discovered in a controlled environment. Where possible due to cost and risks, the HSE used water as opposed to flammable materials such as petrol, and this is by far a preferable method of finding out a flaw with the devices than a spillage leading to an accident.
With the report being published on the four commercially available devices, manufacturers and designers can begin working on rectifying the problems or creating new, safer alternatives.
