Fire Hazards
One type of physical hazard is fire.
If you see this symbol on a chemical container, it means the
product can each on fire and burn easily. Therefore, it is very important
to avoid sources of ignition such as sparks and open flames when working
with them.
Materials which present fire hazards can be classified according to how easily they can catch fire:
Flammables
have a flashpoint under 100 degrees Fahrenheit,
which means that at or below 100 degrees, the material gives off enough
vapor to catch fire if an ignition source is present.
Combustibles
have a flash points above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
These materials must be heated to above 100 degrees before enough vapor
is emitted to ignite.
Pyrophoric
materials can ignite by themselves, without an ignition source, at temperatures
below 130 degrees Fahrenheit.