Basic H&S Guidelines

5.1.2 Physical Hazards

Chemical materials may present physical hazards as well as health hazards. The more common of
these include: flammability, oxidising capacity, water reactivity, pressurised or compressed gases
and liquids, and incompatibility and possible reactivity with other chemicals. When these potential
hazards are present, awareness is critical for the proper storage and use of the relevant chemical
materials.

Flammability (or combustibility) is the most common physical hazard that is associated with
chemical materials in factories. An understanding of the Flash Point, a unique characteristic of
flammable liquids, and of its distinction from the Ignition Point, another unique characteristic, is
important for the awareness of the risk of flammability from chemical materials (see Figure 5.1).
Both Flash Point and Ignition Point are temperatures, and they are both related to the likelihood of
ignition. At the Flash Point temperature, there is sufficient vapour in the air immediately above an
open container of the liquid that combustion will occur in the presence of an ignition source. At the
Ignition Point temperature (much greater than the Flash Point), the heat from the local
environment is sufficient to ignite the material. As a practical matter, chemical liquids with Flash
Points which are less than typical factory temperatures (e.g. <35oC), warrant considerable attention
in their storage and use.

Figure 5.1 – Point of Ignition

Social & Environmental Affairs Page 30 of 127 Feburary 2010