Abstract: A septum for chemical containers comprises a body, a first port through the body having a first interior diameter sufficient to permit a flow of a fluid through the first port, and a second bore through the body having a second interior diameter less than the first interior diameter. The second interior diameter is sufficiently small as to restrict passage of vapors evaporated from within the container. In this configuration, vapors are safely exhausted outside a work facility, and a chemical container that would be classified as Use-Open under applicable fire codes is converted to Use-Closed, enabling the work facility to increase the volume of chemicals that may be contained or used in the facility under the code, without upgrade to Hazardous Occupancy standards, or building new facilities that qualify as Hazardous Occupancy and that can use Use-Open chemical containers.

Abstract: A venting apparatus for chemical containers comprises a vent duct having a plurality of vent ports, a flow control mechanism, and a damper. A closure of a chemical container is coupled to one of the vent ports using suitable tubing, and a second coupling connects the chemical container to equipment that uses the contents of the container. A distal end of the vent duct is coupled to an exhaust fan. In this configuration, vapors evaporating from the contents of the chemical are safely exhausted outside a work facility. As a result, a chemical container that normally would be classified as Use-Open under applicable fire codes is converted to Use-Closed, effectively enabling the work facility to substantially increase the volume of chemicals that may be contained or used in the facility under the code, without requiring upgrade of existing facilities to Hazardous Occupancy standards, or building new facilities that qualify as Hazardous Occupancy and that can use Use-Open chemical containers.