Aerosol products are widely used across consumer, industrial, and institutional markets. From air fresheners and disinfectants to lubricants and cleaners, aerosols deliver convenience and performance, but they also contain pressurized ingredients that can pose flammability risks. An aerosol container is a non-refillable receptacle containing compressed gases, regulated for safety.
To ensure safe handling and transportation, aerosols must be properly classified in accordance with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN TDG), as well as dangerous goods TDG regulations.
One of the key steps in this classification process is the UN TDG Enclosed Space Ignition Test. This test provides essential data for determining whether an aerosol is flammable or non-flammable, helping manufacturers comply with regulatory requirements and safeguard end users.
Why Aerosol Classification Matters
Aerosol classification is more than a regulatory formality; it’s a safety foundation. Accurate classification ensures that products are labelled correctly, transported safely, and stored properly throughout the supply chain.
Under the UN Model Regulations and GHS, aerosols are divided into three main categories:
- Category 1 – Extremely Flammable Aerosols
- Category 2 – Flammable Aerosols: A flammable aerosol is one that meets specific criteria for ignition and combustion.
- Category 3 – Non-Flammable Aerosols
This classification is based on results from standardized flammability tests that evaluate ignition behaviour and heat of combustion. The key required tests are:
- Ignition Distance Test (IDT)
- Enclosed Space Ignition Test (ESIT)
- Foam Flammability Test
Each test provides unique insight into how an aerosol behaves under different conditions. Among them, the UN TDG Enclosed Space Ignition Test (ESIT) plays a critical role by simulating ignition potential in confined or poorly ventilated spaces that reflect real-world use or storage scenarios.
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