Flammable and inflammable are often confused, but they have important differences that your business should understand if it uses or transports these materials.
Knowing these distinctions helps you comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. It also ensures that your employees understand the materials they work with, appreciate the risks involved, and follow best practices to prevent accidents.
Flammable
A flammable substance can easily catch fire. Examples include wood, paper, and flammable liquids like spirits and petrol, as well as gases like propane.
Because flammable materials pose a serious fire risk, you must record all relevant substances in your fire risk assessment. Take all reasonable steps to minimise the chance and impact of an accident.
This includes using flammable hazard signs to inform employees and visitors about the risks.
Combustible
Combustible materials are similar to flammable ones but differ slightly.
Both flammable and combustible substances have a flash point—the temperature at which they release vapours that can ignite. The lower the flash point, the more hazardous the substance.
Flammable substances typically have a flash point below 37.8 °C, while combustible substances have a flash point between 37.8 °C and 93 °C. Ensure that any combustible materials your business uses are clearly marked with appropriate hazard signs.
Inflammable
Despite what the name suggests, inflammable does not mean non-flammable.
Flammable substances require a source of ignition to catch fire, while inflammable substances can ignite on their own. This includes unstable chemicals like certain compressed gases and explosives.
Due to their extreme volatility, it is crucial to handle and store inflammable substances correctly.
In summary, understanding the difference between flammable and inflammable substances is vital. Remember, flammable substances need a source of ignition to catch fire, whereas inflammable substances can ignite without one.
Characteristic | Flammable | Combustible | Inflammable |
---|---|---|---|
Definition | Can easily catch fire with a source of ignition. | Can catch fire but requires a higher temperature to ignite. | Can ignite on its own without a source of ignition. |
Examples | Wood, paper, petrol, propane. | Coal, cardboard, certain oils. | Certain compressed gases, unstable chemicals, explosives. |
Flash Point | Below 37.8 °C. | Between 37.8 °C and 93 °C. | Can vary, but typically very low. |
Risk Level | Serious fire risk; requires careful handling. | Moderate fire risk; requires attention but less immediate danger than flammable. | Extreme volatility; requires strict safety measures. |
Signage | Must be clearly marked with flammable hazard signs. | Must be clearly marked with combustible hazard signs. | Must be clearly marked with inflammable hazard signs. |