Flash fire is an intense flame that erupts without warning and spreads rapidly through a diffuse fuel, like gas or vapours of an ignitable liquid, over a matter of seconds. Combustible dust is a concentration of airborne particles in a closed area which can be ignited by a spark or even static electricity.

Who is at risk of flash fire hazard?

Workers in environments where fuel, typically flammable gas or dust, is mixed with air in concentrations suitable for combustion are at risk of flash fire hazard.

In a flash fire event, most of the damage comes from thermal radiation and secondary fires. If inhaled, the heated air resulting from a flash fire can cause serious damage to the tissue of the lungs, possibly leading to death by asphyxiation. Untreated clothing may ignite as the result of a flash fire, leading to serious injury and even death.

Did You Know?

CGSB-155.20-2000 is the standard that sets the minimum requirements for performance of workwear worn for protection against hydrocarbon flash fire. It also establishes performance requirements and test methods for evaluation of components used to construct workwear.

To order a copy of the safety standard, please click here.

Disclaimer and Standard Terms
Pursuant to federal and provincial Occupational Health and Safety legislation an employer bears sole responsibility for selecting the type(s) of personal protective equipment to be used by its employees. All purchasers of FRC, Visibility garments and/or laundering services from Cintas bear full responsibility for selecting the PPE appropriate for use by their employees. Cintas makes no representation, warranty, or covenant with respect to the flame-resistant, retroreflective and flourescent qualities of the garments or with respect to the fitness or suitability of the garments for any particular use or purpose. The purchase of any goods or service from Cintas is subject to Cintas' Standard Terms and Conditions and/or any other applicable written contract executed between the purchaser and Cintas relating to such purchase.