Hi all,

So recently I've enquired about a product that we are being supplied with that we are told is not overall flammable, but contains some ingredients which are flammable on their own. When consulting with the SDS, it does state it has a flash point of 42 degrees C, but it also states the product does not sustain combustion, according to the sustained combustibility test.

So, my question is; how do we treat the product? I would normally look at storing a product that has a flash point in a DSEAR/COSHH complaint flammable storage cabinet. Does this not apply here? And if so, why? Thanks.

If the supplier has classified it in accordance with CLP and Section 2 of the SDS contains no indication that the product as a whole is flammable including a GHS02 Pictogram and H220 - H228 Hazard Statements why are you creating work for yourself?

Section 2 is about the product as supplied.

Section 3 is about the constituents being considered as if they were 100% pure substance.

Flamable cabinets are about limiting the ability of a flammable substance to spread in the event their container is compromised - if it isn't a classified as a flammable product don't treat it as one.

Originally Posted by: Roundtuit

If the supplier has classified it in accordance with CLP and Section 2 of the SDS contains no indication that the product as a whole is flammable including a GHS02 Pictogram and H220 - H228 Hazard Statements why are you creating work for yourself?

Section 2 is about the product as supplied.

Section 3 is about the constituents being considered as if they were 100% pure substance.

Flamable cabinets are about limiting the ability of a flammable substance to spread in the event their container is compromised - if it isn't a classified as a flammable product don't treat it as one.

Thanks for your reply, it's appreciated. However, if that's the case and flammability isn't an issue, why does it include a flash point? Or is it just saying that it can ignite, but even if it does, it won't sustain combustion? I'm just trying to be clear on it. Thanks.

Flashpoint is the temperature at which a product would give rise to sufficient vapour to be capable of forming an ignitable mixture in air. This is determined under standardised test conditions (temperature & pressure).

So for your post if you put the product in a flammable cabinet:

1) The temperature can become elevated.

2) In the absence of sufficinet air flow the quantity of vapour may increase.

3) Is there an ignition source?

Most people store products in the manufacturer provided container, kept tightly closed and under recomended conditions (out of direct sunlight, typically 5 - 25 C).

Vapours may form within the container BUT this would become a super saturated vapour / air mix so having insuficient oxygen to support combustion even if an ignition source was present.

From the point of your COSHH assessment controls would be:

- keep the product in its original supplier container tightly closed

- at the manufacturer recommended conditions (stated temperatures often well below flash point)

- ensure sufficient dilution air flow

- separate from sources of ignition

This ensures you do not create the conditions to support combustion.