Flash point

A material's flash point is a metric of how easy it is to ignite the vapor of the
material as it evaporates into the atmosphere. A lower flash point indicates higher
flammability. Materials with flash points below 100 F (38 C) are regulated in the
United States by OSHA as potential workplace hazards.
Vapor pressure
The vapor pressure of a liquid, which varies with its temperature, is a measure of
how much the vapor of the liquid tends to concentrate in the surrounding
atmosphere as the liquid evaporates. Vapor pressure is a major determinant of the
flash point, with higher vapor pressures leading to lower flash points and higher
flammability.

Flammable liquid
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Degree of Hazard 3 flammable liquid warning sign

Generally, a flammable liquid is a combustible liquid that can easily catch fire. However, it is
not the liquid itself that burns, but the vapor cloud above the liquid that will burn if the vapor's
concentration in air is between the Lower Flammable Limit (LFL) and Upper Flammable Limit
(UFL) of the liquid.

Definitions[edit]
A number of attempts have been made to standardise the definition of 'flammable' based on the
need to classify such fluids as presenting a higher risk of ignition and therefore needing
additional precautions.
In the US, a flammable liquid is defined as one with a flash point below 100 degrees Fahrenheit
(38 degrees Celsius). This definition is part of a categorisation of combustible liquids used by the

National Fire Protection Association, The US Department of Transportation, the US

Environmental Protection Agency, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration and
others.
These categories are further subdivided, depending on the liquid's flash point and boiling point.

Class IA flammable liquids have a flash point below 73 F (22.8 C) (the upper end of the
common range of room temperature) and a boiling point below 100 F

Class IB flammable liquids have a flash point below 73 F (22.8 C) and a boiling point
greater than or equal to 100 F (37.8 C)

Class IC flammable liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 73 F (22.8 C) and
below 100 F (37.8 C)

Class II combustible liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 100 F (37.8 C)
and below 140 F (60 C)

Class IIIA combustible liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 140 F (60 C)
and below 200 F (93.3 C)

Class IIIB combustible liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 200 F (93.3 C)