• Record Type:
    OSHA Instruction
  • Current Directive Number:
    STD 01-05-009
  • Old Directive Number:
    STD 1-5.9
  • Title:
    29 CFR 1910.106(a)(14), "Flashpoint" -- Acceptable Method of Determining Flashpoints
  • Information Date:
  • Standard Number:

JULY 21, 1977

OSHA PROGRAM DIRECTIVE #100-65

OSHA INSTRUCTION STD 1-5.9 OCTOBER 30, 1978

TO: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS/OSHA

THROUGH: ACTING FIELD COORDINATOR

Subject: 29 CFR 1910.106 (a) (14), "Flashpoint" - Acceptable Method of Determining Flashpoints

1. Purpose

To provide additional guidelines in the application of the subject standard as it relates to the various methods for determination of "flashpoint" acceptable to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

2. Documentation Affected

None.

3. Background

a. An OSHA staff member has been active on the American Society for Testing of Materials (ASTM) Ad-Hoc Committee on Flash Point Methodology and Government Response. This committee has been actively engaged in a program that would lead to the standardization of methods for determining flashpoints that would be acceptable throughout the world. The committee chairman has petitioned OSHA to amend 29 CFR 1910.106 (a) (14) to permit the Setaflash tester methods to be used as alternates to the Tag and Pensky-Martens closed testers methods contained in the definition of flammable and combustible liquids.
b. The Setaflash method, ASTM D3278-73 (Flashpoint of Liquids by Setaflash Closed Tester), has been accepted by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Fire Protection Association as an acceptable method for determining the flashpoint of liquids.

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OSHA INSTRUCTION STD 1-5.9 OCTOBER 30, 1978

c. The adoption by OSHA of the Setaflash method as an acceptable method of determining the flashpoint of liquids would result in this agency being in conformity with other regulatory agencies. In addition, the Setaflash method for determining the flashpoint of liquids, ASTM D3278-73, will not have a lessening effect on the safety and health of employees conducting the tests or the eventual users of the liquids under the standard.

4. Action

Until such time as the referenced standard is revised to incorporate the use of Setaflash Testing Methods, the use of such methods will be cited as de minimis under the standard.

5. Effective Date

This Directive is effective immediately and will remain in effect until rescinded of canceled by standards changes.

Richard P. Wilson Deputy Director, Federal Compliance and State Programs

DISTRIBUTION: A-1 E-1 B-2 HEW-1 C-1 NIOSH REGIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTORS-1 D-4 & 5 NACOSH-1 TRAINING INSTITUTE-4

(ORIGINATOR:OCCS)