28 Oct 2022

All you need to know about Flammable Liquids

Insights on Understanding GHS classification of Hazards in hazard communication.

Flammable liquids:

A flammable liquid means a liquid having a flash point of not more than 93 °C.

Flash point:

The flash point is the lowest possible temperature for vapor from a flammable liquid to ignite when triggered by an ignition source. As a result, the main risk of flammable liquids is released vapour. Highly volatile liquids, or those that evaporate quickly under different circumstances, provide the most risk.

Classification criteria:

The Globally Harmonised System (GHS) is a classification and labeling system that can help you responsibly store and handle your flammable liquids.

This system classifies flammable liquids into one of 4 categories – as defined by their flashpoint.

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

A flammable liquid is a liquid having a flash point of not more than 60 °C (140 °F), or any material in a liquid phase with a flash point at or above 37.8 °C (100 °F)

A combustible liquid is a liquid having a has a flash point above 60.5 °C (141 °F) and below 93 °C (200 °F).

Label elements for flammable liquids:

Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4
Symbol Flame Flame Flame No symbol
Signal word Danger Danger Warning Warning
Hazard statement Extremely flammable liquid and vapour Highly flammable liquid and vapour Flammable liquid and vapour Combustible liquid

As part of our thought leadership, we are introducing the “GHS Hazard series” which provides detailing information about Hazard Communication management tips. Follow us to learn more.