Flash Point: Essential Oils, Flavours and Fragrances

Why measure the flash point of essential oils, flavours and fragrances?

  • To classify material to ensure it is handled, stored, transported and disposed of correctly
  • This is communicated through the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (CLP) in Europe and the United Nations Globally Harmonised System (GHS) worldwide
  • A series of pictograms are used to identify a product by type and packing group

Flash point flammable categories

  • Applicable to all modes of transport and governed by relevant legislative bodies, whether by air (IATA), rail (COTIF), road (ADR) or maritime (IMDG)
  • The lower the flash point, the greater the risk
  • A change in flash point may indicate the presence of potentially dangerous volatile contaminants or the adulteration of one product by another

Which products are controlled?Flash point in cosmetics

  • Cosmetic products often contain numerous ingredients, it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to measure their flammability/hazardous nature
  • Perfumes, essential oils, dyes and scented cosmetics all fall under the category of cosmetic products which must be tested for their flash point
  • Essential oils and aromas are used in a wide variety of applications from aromatherapy, food and flavourings to domestic cleaning and pesticides and must be tested
What are the implications of CLP non-compliance?

  • It is a criminal offence to fail to comply with CLP regulations which can result in fines and/or imprisonment
  • The maximum civil penalty for violation of hazardous materials transportation law can reach tens of thousands of dollars
  • For violation that results in death, serious illness, severe injury or substantial property damage, the civil penalty can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars

How does Setaflash help?

    Series 3 Activecool Electric

  • Speciality fragrance and flavourings are typically produced in very small volumes requiring costly processes and materials, this means the commercial value of the test is very important
  • Setaflash requires just 2 ml of sample and a test takes under 2 minutes, reducing waste
  • Tests can be carried out onsite rather than sending samples to a test house, saving time and money

See our range of Setaflash flash point testers

Download the Flash Point: Essential Oils, Flavours and Fragrances PDF