- Flammable Liquid
A flammable liquid is a liquid, or mixtures of liquids, or liquids containing solids in solution or suspension (for example, paints, varnishes, lacquers, etc.). Flammable liquids are characterised by their ability to emit flammable vapours at relatively low temperatures. Specifically, a flammable liquid;
- gives off a flammable vapour at temperatures of not more than 60 °C, closed-cup test, or not more than 65.6 °C, open-cup test, normally referred to as the flash point
Australian Standard AS 1940 — The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids ; or - has a flash point of not more than 93°C1.
This low flash point indicates that the liquid can form an ignitable mixture with air under normal environmental conditions, making it a significant fire hazard.
- 1
Globally Harmonised System for the classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS)
- gives off a flammable vapour at temperatures of not more than 60 °C, closed-cup test, or not more than 65.6 °C, open-cup test, normally referred to as the flash point
4 Categories of Flammable Liquids
According to the Globally Harmonised System for the classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS) a flammable liquid is classified in one of four categories for this class according to the following;
| GHS category | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1 | Flash point < 23°C and initial boiling point ≤ 35°C |
| 2 | Flash point < 23°C and initial boiling point >35°C |
| 3 | Flash point ≥ 23°C and ≤ 60°C |
| 4 | Flash point > 60°C and ≤ 93°C |