Flash of lightning

What is a flash point?

The flash point is the minimum temperature at which a volatile liquid emits enough vapor to form a flammable mixture with air, capable of igniting upon contact with an ignition source. It is a fundamental criterion for assessing flammability risks and classifying hazardous substances, particularly in the chemical, energy, transportation, and waste management sectors.

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

Why measure the flash point?

Measuring the flash point is essential for:

• Classify chemical products according to their flammability
• Write or update safety data sheets (SDS)
• Meeting the requirements for the transport of hazardous materials
• Designing 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 for mixtures containing volatile components at risk.

Available analysis methods

Flash point analysis is performed 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 volatile liquids with low flash points
• Open cup method (e.g., Cleveland) for products that are more stable at room temperature

These tests are carried out under a controlled atmosphere and allow for the precise identification of the ignition threshold.

Interpretation of results: product classification

The flash point is a key parameter in classifying the hazard level 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 the conditions of storage, labeling, transport, as well as individual and collective protection measures in industrial facilities.

What matrices can be analyzed?

Flash point tests are applicable 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, certified to ISO 17025 and accredited by COFRAC. Our teams select the analytical method best suited to your needs and matrices, guaranteeing personalized follow-up 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 are a manufacturer, formulator, distributor, or engineering firm, entrust the flash point analysis of your products to YesWeLab. Contact our team today for a personalized quote or to discuss your specific physicochemical testing needs.