Combustible

Definitions

Flammable applies to combustible materials that ignite easily and thus are more dangerous and more highly regulated. Less easily ignited and less-vigorously burning materials are combustible. For example, in the United States flammable liquids, by definition, have a flash point below 100 °F (38 °C). Combustible liquids have a flash point above 100 °F (38 °C). Flammable solids are solids that are readily combustible, may cause, or contribute to fire through friction. Readily combustible solids are powdered, granular, or pasty substances that easily ignite by brief contact with an ignition source, such as a burning match, and spread flame rapidly. The technical definitions vary between countries so the United Nations created the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, which defines the flash point temperature of flammable liquids as between 0 and 140 °F (60 °C) and combustible liquids between 140 °F (60 °C) and 200 °F (93 °C).