I don’t see much talk around using industry standards to measure and mitigate risks, so figured I’d do a quick write up on using SDS/MSDS to determine how to properly handle, use, and store various chemicals as one who plays with fire. A bit different from my normal writings, but still something I figured someone out there would find interesting.

Fire play, while visually captivating, demands a deep respect for the materials involved. Whether you’re using paraffin oil for fire breathing or isopropyl alcohol for fire cupping, understanding the specific properties of each accelerant can be incredibly important for safety.

Each substance has its own flash point, autoignition temperature, and potential hazards. Paraffin oil, with its higher flash point, might seem more forgiving, but it still requires careful handling and adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of flammable vapors. Isopropyl alcohol, with its lower flash point, demands even greater attention, as it ignites more easily.

This allows individuals to make informed decisions, minimize risks, and ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.

MSDS / SDS

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), also known as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), is a document that provides detailed information about the hazards of a chemical product. It is a comprehensive guide for anyone who handles, stores, or uses the substance, enabling them to do so safely and responsibly. You can think of it as a safety manual for a specific chemical.

The SDS includes a wealth of information, including the properties of the chemical, its potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity, and environmental), safe handling and storage procedures, first aid measures, spill response instructions, and disposal guidelines. It also provides details on protective equipment for safe handling and any necessary exposure control measures.

When dealing with flammable objects, it outlines specific flammability characteristics like flash point, autoignition temperature, and flammable limits, which are essential in understanding the fire risks associated with the substance. This information allows users to take appropriate precautions, such as storing flammable liquids away from ignition sources, ensuring proper ventilation, and using appropriate fire suppression equipment.

How to get a SDS

First, check the manufacturer’s website. Most companies have a section for safety information or product documentation where they keep their SDSs readily available. You can usually just search for the product name or number and download the PDF.

If you can’t find it on their website, try doing a general online search. Just type in the product name and “SDS” – sometimes they pop up on other sites that compile safety docs. There are even some dedicated SDS databases you can try searching.

If all else fails, just contact the manufacturer directly. They’re legally obligated to provide you with an SDS if you request it, so don’t hesitate to reach out to their customer service or technical support. They might email it to you or point you in the right direction.

How to read a SDS

Alright, so you’ve got your hands on an SDS (or MSDS, they’re basically the same thing now) and you need to figure out the flammability stuff, right? First, make sure you’ve got the right one – it should match the exact product you’re using, and preferably be coming from the exact same manufacturer. Then, you want to head to Section 2: Hazard Identification. This is where they lay out the main dangers, and you’ll likely see flammability warnings here.

Skip down to Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties. Look for things like flash point, autoignition temperature, and flammable limits. Lower flash point means it catches fire easier at room temperature, and autoignition means it can go up on its own if it gets too hot. They might also list things like whether it’s a vapor or heavier than air, which helps you figure out how it might spread if there’s a spill.

Finally, check out Section 7: Handling and Storage. This will often tell you about ventilation – like if you need a fume hood, or just a well-ventilated area. Pay attention to any special storage instructions too, like keeping it away from heat sources or other chemicals. Don’t forget to check Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection for any special gear you might need to handle the stuff safely.

Flash Point vs Autoignition

The flash point and autoignition temperature both measure how flammable a substance is or can be but they represent different things:

Flash Point:

• Definition: The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air in the presence of an ignition source.
• Key Point: Requires an external ignition source (e.g., a spark, flame, or hot surface) to ignite the vapors.
• Example: If you heat gasoline to its flash point and then introduce a flame, the vapors will ignite, causing a brief “flash”.

Autoignition Temperature:

• Definition: The lowest temperature at which a substance will spontaneously ignite in air without an external ignition source.
• Key Point: No external ignition source is needed; the substance ignites solely due to its own heat.
• Example: If you heat paper to its autoignition temperature, it will burst into flames without needing a lighter or match.

Common Ignition Points

The list below is just a few common ignition points for some flammable substances that may be used in various forms of Fire Play. Remember! Some may be slightly different depending on the manufacturer so be sure to check for your specific brand.

• Isopropyl Alcohol
• Autoignition: 750.2 F
• Flash Point
• Open cup: 11.7 °C (53.1 °F; 284.8 K)
• Closed cup: 13 °C (55 °F)
• White gas
• Autoignition: 610F
• Flash Point
• Closed Cup: -4c
• Paraffin Oil
• Flashpoint: 182.3f
• Autoignition: >200c
• Lighter Fluid
• Flashpoint: 40c
• Autoignition: Not Available
• Boiling point: 157c

Final Thoughts

As with all of my instructional writings, I don’t claim to be an expert at everything…or anything! If you believe some part of this is incorrect, or needs to be adjusted, or something just needs to be added to it. Then comment it below, or send me a message and I’ll be glad to make any necessary corrections.