Fire and Explosion Data

The most common property in the assessment of fire hazards is the flashpoint that is applicable to liquids or melts, and is the lowest temperature at which the vapor above the substance may be ignited and continue to burn. The reference pressure for the flashpoint is 1013 mbar. 

The combustion index is applicable to solids and gives a qualitative indication about combustibility, ranging from one to six. Index 1 corresponds to no combustion and Index 6 to a violent combustion with fast propagation. From Index 4, the combustion propagates through to the solid. 

The self-sustaining decomposition is a phenomenon whereby the decomposition is initiated by a hot spot, and then propagates through to the solid with a velocity of some millimeters to centimeters per second. The decomposition does not require oxygen, so it cannot be avoided by using an inert atmosphere. 

Explosion limits indicate in which concentration range a mixture of combustible substance can be ignited. There are two limits, the lower explosion limit (LEL), below which the concentration is too low to produce an explosion and the upper explosion limit (UEL), above which the oxygen is in default and no explosion occurs. Further, the explosion is characterized by the maximum explosion pressure and its violence by the maximum pressure increase rate. In order 

H Exothermal reaction G Gas release T Toxic C Corrosion N Ecotoxic X Other hazard Unknown 

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Explosibility and Fire Control. As in the case of many other reactive chemicals, the fire and explosion hazards of ethylene oxide are system-dependent. Each system should be evaluated for its particular hazards including start-up, shut-down, and failure modes. Storage of more than a threshold quantity of 5000 lb (- 2300 kg) of the material makes ethylene oxide subject to the provisions of OSHA 29 CER 1910 for "Highly Hazardous Chemicals." Table 15 summarizes relevant fire and explosion data for ethylene oxide, which are at standard temperature and pressure (STP) conditions except where otherwise noted. 

Section IV Fire and Explosion Data Flashpoint 159 °C (McCutchan - Young)... 

Your occupational health and safety officer at work can and should tell you whether chemicals you work with are dangerous and likely to be carried home on your clothes, body, or tools. Ask if you should shower and change clothes before you leave work, store your street clothes in a separate area of the workplace, or launder your work clothes at home separately from other clothes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for many chemicals used at your place of work. MSDS information should include chemical names and hazardous ingredients, and important information such as fire and explosion data, potential health effects, how you get the chemical(s) in your body, how to properly handle the materials, and... 

Material Safety Data Sheet. Safety information sheet for a particular substance that lists physical properties, hazards, cleanup and disposal procedures, fire and explosion data, and protective equipment required. 

Chemical names, physical properties, fire and explosion data, health hazards, first-aid procedures, and safety precautions. 

Section 11 covers risks from mixtures. Because a mixture is not considered here, the section is empty. Selected physical data are described in Section 111. Section IV contains fire and explosion data, including a description of the toxic gases produced when acetone is exposed to a fire. The MSDSs are routinely made available to fire departments that may be faced with fighting a fire in a building where large amounts of chemicals are stored. 

After bookmarking a reputable MSDS URL, locate a chemical of your choice and print out the data. If the information is not available, go to your stock room and request a copy of the MSDS. Underline on the sheet the CAS No., solubility data, fire and explosion data, reactivity data, and what protective equipment is required when using this chemical. Does your laboratory meet the safety regulations required to use this chemical Why or why not ... 

Fire and Explosion Data for Some Spray-Dried Materials... 

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