GHS Flammable Liquids Categories

GHS stands for Globally Harmonized System. GHS is a standard used for classifying and labeling chemicals. There are 4 categories for flammable liquids according to the GHS. When referring to a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a chemical, you will see these categories referenced. It is important to have an idea of what the differences are in the flash points and boiling points.

Category 1          Flash point < 23°C and initial boiling point ≤ 35°C (95°F)

Category 2          Flash point < 23°C and initial boiling point > 35°C (95°F)

Category 3          Flash point ≥ 23°C and ≤ 60°C (140°F)

Category 4          Flash Point ≥ 60°C (140°F) and ≤ 93°C (200°F)

Test your knowledge: Kerosene has a flash point of 46-71°C and a boiling point of 134-294°C. According to GHS, this is a Category _____ flammable liquid (Scroll to the bottom of this page for the answer!)

According to GHS, Kerosene is a Category __3__ flammable liquid.