What a metal tote offers
Steel and stainless totes are approved for jobs plastic is not. Metal IBCs fitted with a pressure venting device can withstand fire for at least 30 minutes, and they are suitable for onsite storage of Class I flammable liquids and of Class II and III combustibles. Many carry a UL 142 approval.
Plastic IBCs that contain combustible or flammable liquids can melt or burn fairly rapidly and release their entire contents. That single fact is the whole reason metal exists next to plastic.
| Question | Metal | Plastic (caged or all-plastic) |
|---|---|---|
| Class I flammables | Suitable for onsite storage | Never |
| Class II and III combustibles | Suitable | Listed rigid nonmetallic only |
| Fire behavior | Withstands at least 30 min with venting | Can melt and release contents |
| Cleaning | Wash and inspect welds and seals | Wash, inspect bottle and cage |
Grading a metal tote
The cage, bottle, valve, base grader does not map perfectly to a steel tank, because there is no bottle. What carries over is the valve, the base, the seals and the last contents. Look at welds and seams for cracks or weeping, the dome and manway gasket, and the vent, which is required for the fire rating.
Chemical blenders in Corona and plants in Chino that handle solvents or fuels are where a steel tote makes sense, and the first question to ask of a used one is what it held before.
When to ask for steel
- The product is a Class I flammable liquid.
- The tote will sit in heat or near a heat source.
- The product attacks polyethylene.
- Your fire code or insurer requires approved storage.
Asking the right questions of a metal tote
A steel or stainless tote lasts decades, so its history is long. Ask what it held, whether it was lined, when it was last inspected and whether the pressure relief device is original. Look at the weld seams on the tank, the condition of the outlet and the flatness of the frame feet.
Weight is the other fact. A metal tote is much heavier than a caged plastic one, so check the forklift and the floor before agreeing to take one. Stainless looks clean even when it is not, so an odor test on the open hatch is a sensible step.
Stainless or carbon steel
Stainless resists corrosion and is easier to clean, which is why food and pharmaceutical users prefer it. Carbon steel is cheaper and fine for oils and some solvents, but it will rust if the coating is breached. Know which you have before you fill.
Questions people ask
Can I store gasoline or diesel in a metal IBC?
A listed and vented metal IBC is suitable for onsite storage of Class I flammables and Class II and III combustibles. Check the listing, the code and the permit for your site.
Is stainless the same as carbon steel?
Not in use. Stainless suits food and corrosive products; carbon steel suits hydrocarbons. Ask which one the tote is.
Sources. Last reviewed 2026-11-11.