Flash point

What is flash point?

The flash point (or flash point) is the minimum temperature at which a volatile liquid emits enough vapors to form a flammable mixture with air, which can ignite upon contact with an ignition source. It is a fundamental criterion for assessing flammability risks and classifying hazardous substances, particularly in the chemical, energy, transport and waste treatment sectors.

A product with a low flash point presents an increased hazard in terms of handling, storage, and transport. Accurately determining this temperature helps ensure compliance with international regulatory requirements, including those of CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008, the GHS, and ADR regulations for transport.

Why measure flash point?

Flash point measurement is essential for:

• Classify chemicals according to their flammability
• Write or update safety data sheets (SDS)
• Meet the requirements for transporting dangerous goods
• Design safe and compliant industrial processes
• Evaluate the fire behavior of complex mixtures or liquid waste

This analysis is particularly recommended for oils, solvents, fuels, thinners, paints, distillation residues, or even for mixtures containing volatile components at risk.

Available analysis methods

Flash point analysis is carried out according to internationally standardized methods, guaranteeing the reliability and comparability of the results:

• ASTM standards (D56, D93, D3828, D3278, etc.)
• ISO standards (ISO 2719, ISO 3679, etc.)

Depending on the nature of the liquid to be analyzed, the laboratory will choose the most suitable method:

• Closed-cup method (e.g., Pensky-Martens) for low-flashpoint volatile liquids
• Open cup method (e.g. Cleveland) for products more stable at room temperature

These tests are carried out in a controlled atmosphere and allow the ignition threshold to be precisely identified.

Interpretation of results: classification of products

The flash point is a central parameter in the classification of the danger of a flammable liquid:

• Flash point < 23°C → Highly flammable liquid
• 23°C ≤ Flash point < 60°C → Flammable liquid
• ≥ 60°C → Lower risk but still to be assessed according to the context of use

This classification makes it possible to adapt storage, labeling and transport conditions, as well as individual and collective protection measures in industrial installations.

What matrices can be analyzed?

Flash point tests apply to many liquid matrices, pure or complex:

• Industrial or laboratory solvents
• Mineral or vegetable oils
• Paints, inks, varnishes, glues
• Fuels (gasoline, diesel, kerosene, etc.)
• Cosmetic products containing alcohol
• Wastewater or industrial effluents containing residual solvents

Expert support with YesWeLab

At YesWeLab, we support you in assessing the flammability of your products through a network of specialized partner laboratories, ISO 17025 certified and COFRAC accredited. Our teams select the analytical method best suited to your needs and matrices, ensuring personalized monitoring and optimal responsiveness.

Thanks to our digital platform, you can centralize your requests, track the progress of your analyses, receive your results securely, and maintain complete traceability of your tests.

Need a flash point test?

Whether you're a manufacturer, formulator, distributor, or design office, entrust your product flash point analysis to YesWeLab. Contact our team today to get a personalized quote or discuss your specific physicochemical testing needs.