ABSTRACT
We talk about the ‰re or explosion hazards of «ammable or combustible liquids, despite the fact that what ignites-or explodes or de«agrates-is their vapors.1 However, since it is the liquid form that contains the “vapor potential,” that is the form of the substance that the regulations address. These are of course widely used in any number of industries and processes, some creating more hazards than others; in all applications, however, employers are obligated to reduce the risks. Among the more important concepts are «ashpoint (FP) and «ammable ranges and the distinction between «ammable and combustible liquids; those are discussed below. Spoiler alert, however: the anticipated U.S. adoption of the Global Harmonization System (GHS) system (see Hazard Communication, Chapter 12) will require changes in the «ashpoint parameters for «ammable and combustible liquids.
