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Find the explanation of why there is no flame label required when the flashpoint is classified as R10.

Here’s a question that comes up regularly …

On an EC hazard label - produced by our Formpak software, for instance - it indicates that the chemical is “Flammable” (Risk Phrase R10), but there is no flame pictogram on the label - why is this?

The answer is that the regulations make it very clear that the flame pictogram is reserved for chemicals which are “Highly Flammable” (Risk Phrase R11) or “Extremely Flammable” (Risk Phrase R12). Merely being “Flammable” does not merit getting a flame pictogram.

If you don’t believe me then take a look at Directive 2001/59/EC. In the middle of page 5 it says:-

(ii) the classification for each category of danger is normally presented in the form of an abbreviation representing the category of danger together with the appropriate risk phrase or phrases. However, in some cases (i.e. substances classified as flammable, sensitising and some substances classified as dangerous for the environment) the risk phrase alone is used;

Similarly, in the UK CHIP legislation, SI 2002 No. 1689 indicates clearly on page 18 that “Flammable” does not warrant a Symbol-letter and thus has no pictogram associated with it.

The Global Harmonised System (GHS) will change this situation.

As well as adjusting the flash point thresholds to match the transport regulations, it also requires a flame pictogram and “Warning” signal word for the “Flammable Liquid - Category 3” which many current “Flammable” liquids would be given.

But for the moment, under the EC regulations, the flame pictogram is just not required for “Flammable” chemicals.