DOE-HDBK-1015/2-93FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDSHazards of Chemicals and GasesCH-05Rev. 0Page 32Figure 4 DOT Flammable Liquid LabelsVolatility -The tendency or ability of a liquid to vaporize.Oxygen Limits -The concentration of oxygen below which a normally flammable vapor mixture willnot ignite (normally 12 to 14 percent oxygen). An increase of pressure ortemperature will reduce the required lower oxygen limit, however.Rate of Diffusion -The tendency of one gas or vapor to disperse into or mix with another gas orvapor. Dependent upon the density of the vapor or gas as compared to air.Vapor Pressure -The pressure exerted by a volatile liquid under any of the conditions of equilibriumthat may exist between the vapors and the liquid.Oxygen Deficiency -The designation given to an atmosphere containing less than the percentage ofoxygen normally found in air (<21%).The volatility of liquids will increase as heat is applied to them. Accordingly, combustibleliquids should be treated as flammable when they are heated even though the liquid, when notheated, is outside the flammable range.The Department of Transportation (DOT) has modified the definition of flammable liquids inits Hazardous Materials Regulation, 49 CFR parts 170 to 179. They are defined as any liquidthat gives off flammable vapors at or below a temperature of 80 F. This definition is importantbecause the DOT Flammable Liquid Label, illustrated in Figure 4, is one means by whichcontainers of flammable liquids can be identified for shipping, receiving, and transportation.
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