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Flammable aerosol

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Flammable

Definition

A flammable material can be a solid, liquid or gas. The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) defines a flammable liquid as "any liquid having a flash point below 100 deg. F. (37.8 deg. C.), except any mixture having components with flash points of 100 deg. F. (37.8 deg. C.) or higher, the total of which make up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture. Flammable liquids shall be known as Class I liquids." Compare this definition to combustible, which indicates a material that is somewhat harder to ignite (flash point above 100 oF). OSHA divides flammable (and combustible) liquids into several classes. If you'd like to see these, take a look at 29 CFR 1910.106.

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Note: The older term, inflammable is identical in meaning to flammable. To avoid confusion, only use the term flammable.

Something that is not flammable is called nonflammable.

Additional Info

Flammable solids and Flammable gases each have separate entries in this HyperGlossary.

For something to catch fire or explode, there has to be the right mix of heat, fuel and oxygen. These are defined by the flammable limits (also called the explosive limits) which are unique for each material. The OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.106, Flammable and Combustible Liquids, covers the following items: Tanks and their construction Piping, valves and fittings Container and portable tank storage Industrial plants Bulk plants Service stations Processing plants Refineries, chemical plants, and distilleries The Standard prohibits more than 60 gallons of Class I or Class II liquids or more than 120 gallons of Class III liquids in one storage cabinet. Cabinets must be labeled in conspicuous lettering with the statement Flammable - Keep Fire Away.

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MSDS Relevance

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Proper storage and use of flammable materials is absolutely critical in maintaining a safe work place. Never use flammable materials near sources of heat, flame, sparks or static discharge (direct sunlight, furnaces, pilot lights etc.) or in unventilated areas. Solvent vapors are heavier than air. These can pool in low-lying areas and travel significant distances to an ignition source. Flowing liquids can generate static electricity. When transferring liquids from one container to another, be sure to follow proper bonding and grounding procedures. Also be careful when cutting or welding fuel storage tanks and pipes. A number of fatal accidents have occured when residual vapors were ignited by sparks or flames - see the OSHA fatal fact sheets listed below.

Further Reading

• View our entry on the National Fire Protection Association and its fire diamond codes.
• Visit the National Fire Protection Association home page for fire safety information, tips and codes.
• OSHA Fatal Fact Sheet #3 - Worker killed while cutting a scrap gasoline storage tank.
• OSHA Fatal Fact Sheet #53 - Worker killed while welding brackets on an oil storage tank.
• Fairdale (Louisville, KY) home explosion puts firefighter in ICU (2010), a fire caused when acetone vapors ignited in a basement.
• Safe Work Practices and Procedures: Flammable Materials from the Princeton University Lab Safety Manual.
• Flammable Materials, an overview at Texas A&M University.

See also: combustible, flash point, flammable gas, flammable solid, flammable limits.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.