Aerosol Dispensers (Amendment) Regulations, 2009

Suppliment tal-Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 18,368, 23 ta’ Jannar, 2009

Taqsima B

L.N. 26 of 2009

PRODUCT SAFETY ACT

(CAP. 427)

Aerosol Dispensers (Amendment) Regulations, 2009

IN exercise of the powers conferred by articles 38 to 40 of

the Product Safety Act, the Minister of Finance, the Economy and

Investment, has on the advice of the Malta Standards Authority,

made the following regulations:-

(1) The title of these regulations is the Aerosols

Dispensers (Amendment) Regulations, 2009 and they shall be read

and construed as one with the Aerosols Dispensers Regulations,

2002, hereinafter referred to as “the principal regulations”.

(2) These regulations shall come into force on 29th

December, 2010.

Regulation 5 of the principal requirements shall be

amended as follows

(a) immediately after point 5.2.5 thereof, there shall be

added the following

“5.2.6. Where an aerosol dispenser contains

flammable components as defined in point 1.8 of the

Schedule but the aerosol dispenser is not considered as

“flammable” or “extremely flammable” according to the

criteria set out in point 1.9 of the Schedule, the quantity

of flammable material contained in the aerosol dispenser

must be stated clearly on the label, in the form of the

following legible and indelible wording: “X % by mass

of the contents are flammable”; and

(b) sub-regulation 5.5 thereof shall be deleted.

The Schedule to the principal regulations, shall be amended

as follows

contain any component which is classified as flammable

1.8.1 flammable liquid means a liquid having a flashpoint of not

more than 93 °C;

1.8.2 flammable solid means a solid substance or mixture which

is readily combustible, or may cause or contribute to fire as

a result of friction. Readily combustible solids are

powdered, granular, or pasty substances or mixtures which

are dangerous if they can be easily ignited by brief contact

with an ignition source, such as a burning match, and if the

flame spreads rapidly; and

1.8.3 flammable gas means a gas or gas mixture having a

flammable range with air at 20 °C and a standard pressure

of 1,013 bar;

This definition does not cover pyrophoric, self-heating or water-

reactive substances and mixtures, which shall never be

components of aerosol contents.”;

(b)

immediately after point 1.8 thereof, there shall be added the following

new point

“1.9. Flammable aerosols

For the purpose of this Directive, an aerosol is considered as non-

flammable”, “flammable” or “extremely flammable” according

to its chemical heat of combustion and mass content of

flammable components, as follows

(a) the aerosol is classified as “extremely flammable” if it

contains 85 % or more flammable components and the

chemical heat of combustion exceeds or is equal to 30 kJ/g;

(b) the aerosol is classified as “non-flammable” if it contains 1%

or less flammable components and the chemical heat of

combustion is less than 20 kJ/g; and

(c) all other aerosols will be submitted to the following

flammability classification procedures or shall be classified

as “extremely flammable”. The ignition distance test, the

enclosed space test and the foam flammability test shall

comply with point 6.3.

1.9.1. Flammable spray aerosols

In the case of spray aerosols the classification shall be made

taking into account the chemical heat of combustion and on the

basis of the results of the ignition distance test, as follows

1.9.1.1 If the chemical heat of combustion is less than 20 kJ/g

1.9.1.1.1 the aerosol is classified as “flammable” if ignition

occurs at a distance equal or greater than 15 cm but

less than 75 cm;

1.9.1.1.2 the aerosol is classified as “extremely flammable” if

ignition occurs at a distance of 75 cm or more; and

1.9.1.1.3 if no ignition occurs in the ignition distance test, the

enclosed space test shall be performed and in this

case, the aerosol is classified as “flammable” if the

time equivalent is less than or equal to 300 s/m3 or

the deflagration density is less than or equal to 300

g/m3; otherwise the aerosol is classified as “non-

flammable”.

If the chemical heat of combustion is equal to or more

than 20 kJ/g, the aerosol is classified as “extremely

flammable” if ignition occurs at a distance of 75 cm or

more; otherwise the aerosol is classified as

“flammable”.

1.9.2. Flammable foam aerosols

In the case of foam aerosols, the classification shall be made on

the basis of the results of the foam flammability test.

1.9.2.1 The aerosol product shall be classified as “extremely

flammable” if

1.9.2.1.1 the flame height is 20 cm or more and the flame

duration is two seconds or more; or

1.9.2.1.2 the flame height is 4 cm or more and the flame

duration is seven seconds or more.

1.9.2.2 The aerosol product which does not meet the criteria in

(a) is classified as “flammable” if the flame height is 4

cm or more and the flame duration is two seconds or

more.”;

(c)

immediately after the new point 1.9 thereof, there shall added the

following new point

“1.10. Chemical Heat of Combustion

The chemical heat of combustion ΔH c shall be either determined

by

1.10.1 acknowledged rules of technology, described e.g. in

standards such as ASTM D 240, ISO 13943 86.1 to 86.3

and NFPA 30B, or found in the scientifically established

literature; or

1.10.2 applying the following calculation method

The chemical heat of combustion (ΔH c ), in kilojoules per gram

(kJ/g), can be calculated as the product of the theoretical heat of

combustion (ΔH comb ), and a combustion efficiency, usually less

than 1,0 (a typical combustion efficiency is 0,95 or 95 %).

For a composite aerosol formulation, the chemical heat of

combustion is the summation of the weighted heats of

combustion for the individual components, as follows

ΔH c =

[w i % x ΔH C(i) ]

where

ΔHc = chemical heat of combustion (kJ/g) of the product;

wi% = mass fraction of component i in the product;

ΔHc(i) = specific heat of combustion (kJ/g) of component i in the

product.

The person responsible for the marketing of the aerosol dispenser shall

describe the method used for determining the chemical heat of

combustion in a document to be made readily available in an official

Community language at the address specified on the label in

accordance with point 5.2.1 of Regulation 5.2, if the chemical heat of

combustion is used as a parameter for assessing the flammability of

aerosols according to the provisions of this Regulation”;

(d)

immediately after the heading to Section 2 General provisions, there

shall be added the following point

“2.0 Without prejudice to specific provisions of the Annex on

requirements related to the flammability and pressure hazard, the

person responsible for the marketing of aerosol dispensers is

under an obligation to analyse the hazards in order to identify

those which apply to his aerosol dispensers. Where appropriate,

this analysis shall include a consideration of the risks resulting

from the inhalation of the spray ejected by the aerosol dispenser

under normal and reasonably foreseeable conditions of use,

taking into account droplet size distribution in conjunction with

physical and chemical properties of the contents. He must then

design, construct and test it and, if applicable, draft special

statements concerning its use, taking account of his analysis.”;

(e)

point 2.2(b) thereof, shall be substituted by the following

“(b) Where the aerosol is classified as “flammable” or “extremely

flammable” according to the criteria of point 1.9

(i) the flame symbol, in accordance with the model in Annex II to

Directive 67/548/EEC;

(ii) the indication “flammable” or “extremely flammable.”;

(f)

in point 2.3 thereof, for paragraph (a) and (b) there shall be substituted

the following

“(a) Whatever its contents, any additional operating precautions which

alert consumers to the specific dangers of the product; if the

aerosol dispenser is accompanied by separate instructions for use,

the latter must also reflect such operating precautions;

(b) Where the aerosol is classified as “flammable” or “extremely

flammable” according to the criteria of point 1.9, the following

warnings

(i) the safety phrases S2 and S16 laid down in Annex IV to

Directive 67/548/EEC;

(ii) “Do not spray on a naked flame or any incandescent

material”.”;

(g)

immediately after point 2.3 thereof, there shall be added the following

“2.4. Volume of the liquid phase

The volume of the liquid phase at 50 °C shall not exceed 90 % of

the net capacity.”;

(h)

for point 3.1.2. thereof, there shall be substituted the following

“3.1.2. Filling

At 50 °C, the pressure in the aerosol dispenser must not exceed

12 bar.

However, if the aerosol does not contain a gas or mixture of

gases having a flammable range with air at 20°C and a standard

pressure of 1,013 bar, the maximum allowable pressure at 50

°C is 13,2 bar.”

(i)

points 3.1.3., 4.1.5. and 4.2.4. thereof shall be deleted.

(j)

for point 6.1.4 thereof, there shall be substituted the following

Final inspection of filled aerosol dispensers

1.4.1. Aerosol dispensers shall be subject to one of the following

final test methods.

6.1.4.1.1 Hot water bath test

Each filled aerosol dispenser shall be immersed in a

hot water bath.

6.1.4.1.1.1

The temperature of the water bath and the

duration of the test shall be such that the

internal pressure reaches that which would be

exerted by its contents at a uniform

temperature of 50 °C.

6.1.4.1.1.2

Any aerosol dispenser showing visible

permanent distortion or a leak must be

rejected.

6.1.4.1.2 Hot final test methods

Other methods for heating the contents of aerosol

dispensers may be used if they guarantee that the

pressure and temperature in each filled aerosol

dispenser reach the values required for the hot water

bath test and distortions and leaks are detected with

same precision as in the case of the hot water bath

test.

6.1.4.1.3 Cold final test methods

An alternative cold final test method may be used if it

is in accordance with the provisions of an alternative

method to the hot water bath test for aerosol

dispensers specified in point 6.2.4.3.2.2 of Annex A to

Directive 94/55/EC.

6.1.4.2. For aerosol dispensers the contents of which undergo a

physical or chemical transformation changing their pressure

characteristics after filling and before first use, cold final test

methods according to point 6.1.4.1.3 should be applied.

6.1.4.3. In case of test methods according to points 6.1.4.1.2 and

6.1.4.1.3

6.1.4.3.1 The test method must be approved by a competent

authority.

6.1.4.3.2 The person responsible for the marketing of aerosol

dispensers must submit an application for approval to

a competent authority. The application must be

accompanied by the technical file describing the

method.

6.1.4.3.3 The person responsible for the marketing of aerosol

dispensers must, for surveillance purposes, keep the

approval of the competent authority, the technical file

describing the method and, if applicable, control

reports readily available at the address specified on

the label in accordance with point 5.2.1 of Regulation

5.2.

6.1.4.3.4 The technical file must be established in an official

Community language or a certified copy thereof must

be available.

6.1.4.3.5 “competent authority” means the authority designated

in each Member State under Directive 94/55/EC.”;

and

(k)

immediately after point 6.2 thereof, there shall be added the following

Tests on the flammability of aerosols

Ignition distance test for spray aerosols

6.3.1.1. Introduction

6.3.1.1.1. This test standard describes the method to determine

the ignition distance of an aerosol spray in order to

assess the associated flame risk. The aerosol is

sprayed in the direction of an ignition source at

intervals of 15 cm to observe if ignition and sustained

combustion of the spray takes place. Ignition and

sustained combustion is defined as when a stable

flame is maintained for at least five seconds. The

ignition source is defined as a gas burner with a blue,

non-luminous flame 4-5 cm in height.

6.3.1.1.2. This test is applicable to aerosol products with a spray

distance of 15 cm or more. Aerosol products with a

spray distance of less than 15 cm such as dispensing

foams, mousses, gels and pastes or fitted with a

metering valve, are excluded from this test. Aerosol

products that dispense foams, mousses, gels or pastes

are subject to testing under the aerosol foam

flammability test.

Apparatus and material

6.3.1.2.1. The following apparatus is required

Water bath maintained at 20 °C

accurate to ± 1 °C

Calibrated laboratory scales (balance) accurate to ± 0,1 g

Chronometer (stopwatch)

accurate to ± 0,2 s

Graduated scale, support and clamp

graduations in cm

Gas burner with support and clamp

Thermometer

accurate to ± 1 °C

Hygrometer

accurate to ± 5 %

Pressure gauge

accurate to ± 0,1 bar

Procedure

6.3.1.3.1. General requirements

6.3.1.3.1.1. Before testing, each aerosol dispenser shall be

conditioned and then primed by discharging for

approximately one second. The purpose of this

action is to remove non-homogeneous material

from the diptube.

6.3.1.3.1.2.

The instructions of use shall be strictly

followed, including whether the dispenser is

intended to be used in the upright or inverted

position. When shaking is required, shake

immediately before testing.

6.3.1.3.1.3. The test shall be carried out in a draught-free

environment capable of ventilation, with the

temperature controlled at 20 °C ± 5 °C and

relative humidity in the range 30-80 %.

6.3.1.3.1.4. Each aerosol dispenser is to be tested

(a)

when full according to the complete

procedure, with the gas burner in the range

of 15-90 cm distance from the actuator of

the aerosol can;

(b)

when 10-12 % full nominal (% by mass)

only one test, either at 15 cm distance from

the actuator when the spray from a full can

did not ignite at all, or at the flame ignition

distance of the spray of a full can plus 15

cm.

6.3.1.3.1.5. During the test, the can shall be positioned as

indicated by label instructions. The ignition

source shall be positioned accordingly.

6.3.1.3.1.6. The following procedure requires testing the

spray at intervals of 15 cm between the burner

flame and the aerosol actuator, in the range of

15-90 cm. It is efficient to start at 60 cm

distance between burner flame and aerosol

actuator. The distance between burner flame

and aerosol actuator shall be increased by 15

cm in the case of an ignition of the spray at 60

cm distance. The distance shall be decreased by

15 cm in the case of no ignition at 60 cm

distance between burner flame and aerosol

actuator. The aim of the procedure is to

determine the maximum distance between

aerosol actuator and burner flame that leads to

sustained combustion of the spray or to

determine that ignition could not be obtained at

15 cm distance between the burner flame and

the aerosol's actuator.

6.3.1.3.2. Test procedure

(a)

a minimum of 3 full aerosol dispensers per

product shall be conditioned to 20 °C ± 1 °C

with at least 95 % of the dispenser immersed in

the water for at least 30 min before each test (if

the aerosol is fully immersed, 30 min

conditioning is sufficient);

(b)

comply with general requirements. Record the

temperature and relative humidity of the

environment;

(c)

weigh an aerosol dispenser and note its mass;

(d)

determine the internal pressure and initial

discharge rate at 20 °C ± 1 °C (to eliminate

faulty or partly filled aerosol dispensers);

(e)

support the gas burner on a flat horizontal

surface or fix the burner to a support by means

of a clamp;

(f)

ignite the gas burner; the flame shall be non-

luminous and approximately 4-5 cm high;

(g)

place the actuator's exit orifice at the required

distance from the flame. The aerosol shall be

tested in the position it is designed to be used,

e.g. upright or inverted;

(h)

level the actuator's orifice and burner flame,

ensuring that the orifice is properly directed

towards and aligned with the flame (see Figure

6.3.1.1). The spray shall be expelled through the

top half of the flame;

Figure 6.3.1.1

(i)

comply with the general requirements regarding

shaking of the dispenser;

(j)

actuate the valve of the aerosol dispenser, to

discharge its contents for five seconds, unless

ignition occurs. If ignition occurs, continue

discharging and time the duration of the flame

for five seconds, from the start of ignition;

(k)

note the ignition results for the distance between

the gas burner and the aerosol dispenser in the

table provided;

(l)

if no ignition occurs during step (j), the aerosol

shall be tested in alternative orientations, e.g.

inverted for upright use products, to check if

ignition is obtained;

(m) repeat steps (g) to (l) twice more (a total of 3)

for the same can at the same distance between

the gas burner and the aerosol actuator;

(n)

repeat the test procedure for another two aerosol

cans of the same product at the same distance

between gas burner and aerosol actuator;

(o)

repeat steps (g) to (n) of the test procedure at a

distance between 15 and 90 cm between the

actuator of the aerosol can and the burner flame

depending on the outcome of each test (see also

6.3.1.3.1.4 and 6.3.1.3.1.5);

(p)

if no ignition occurs at 15 cm, the procedure is

finished for initially full cans. The procedure is

also finished when ignition and sustained

combustion is obtained at a distance of 90 cm. If

ignition could not be obtained at 15 cm distance,

record that ignition did not occur. The maximum

distance between burner flame and the aerosol's

actuator for which an ignition and sustained

combustion was observed is noted as the

“ignition distance”, in all other circumstances;

(q)

one test shall also be conducted on three cans of

10-12 % nominal fill level. These cans shall be

tested at a distance between the aerosol's

actuator and the burner flame of the ‘flame

ignition distance of full cans + 15 cm’;

(r)

discharge an aerosol can to a 10-12 % nominal

fill level (by mass) in bursts of 30 seconds

maximum. Observe a 300 seconds minimum

time period between bursts. During this interim

period dispensers shall be placed in the water

bath for conditioning;

(s)

repeat steps (g) to (n) for 10-12 % nominal fill

aerosol cans, omitting steps (l) and (m). This test

shall only be performed with the aerosol in one

position, e.g. upright or inverted, corresponding

with that which produced the ignition (if any)

for filled cans; and

(t)

record all results in the Table 6.3.1.1 as shown

below.

6.3.1.3.2.1. All experiments shall be performed in a fume

hood in a room that may be well ventilated.

Ventilation of the fume hood and room can be

applied for at least three minutes after each test.

Take all necessary safety precautions to prevent

the inhalation of combustion products.

6.3.1.3.2.2. The cans with a 10-12 % nominal fill level shall

be tested only once. The result tables need only

one result per can indicated.

6.3.1.3.2.3. When the test in the position in which the

dispenser is designed to be used gives a

negative result, the test shall be repeated in the

position of the dispenser most likely to result in

a positive result.

6.3.1.4.

Method of assessing results

6.3.1.4.1 All the results shall be recorded. Table 6.3.1.1 below

shows the model of ‘result table’ to be used.

Table 6.3.1.1

Temperature … O C

Date

Relevant humidity … %

Name of product

Net volume

Can 1

Can 2

Can 3

Initial level of

filling

Dispenser

Test

distance

15 cm

Ignition?

Y or N

30 cm

Ignition?

Y or N

45 cm

Ignition?

Y or N

60 cm

Ignition?

Y or N

75 cm

Ignition?

Y or N

90 cm

Ignition?

Y or N

Observations

– including

can position

6.3.2.

Enclosed space ignition test

6.3.2.1.

Introduction

This test standard describes the method to assess the

flammability of products emerging from aerosol

dispensers due to their propensity to ignite in an enclosed

or confined space. The contents of an aerosol dispenser are

sprayed into a cylindrical test vessel containing a burning

candle. If an observable ignition occurs, the elapsed time

and amount discharged is noted.

Apparatus and material

6.3.2.2.1 The following apparatus is required

Chronometer (stopwatch)

accurate to ± 0,2 s

Water bath maintained at 20 °C

accurate to ± 1 °C

Calibrated laboratory scales (balance) accurate to ± 0,1 g

Thermometer

accurate to ± 1 °C

Hygrometer

accurate to ± 5 %

Pressure gauge

accurate to ± 0,1

bar

Cylindrical test vessel

as detailed below

6.3.2.2.2 Preparation of test apparatus

6.3.2.2.2.1.

A cylindrical vessel approximately 200 dm3

volume, approximately 600 mm in diameter

and approximately 720 mm long and open at

one end shall be modified as follows

6.3.2.2.2.1.1 a closure system consisting of a hinged

cover shall be matched to the open end

of the receptacle; or

6.3.2.2.2.1.2 a plastic film 0,01 to 0,02 mm thick

may be used as a closure system. If the

test is carried out with a plastic film

this must be used as described below

Stretch the film over the open end of

the drum and hold it in place with an

elastic band. The strength of the band

shall be such that when placed around

the drum resting on its side, it stretches

by only 25 mm when a mass of 0,45 kg

is attached to its lowest point. Cut a 25

mm slit in the film, starting 50 mm

from the edge of the drum. Ensure that

the film is taut; or

6.3.2.2.2.1.3 at the other end of the drum drill a 50

mm diameter hole 100 mm from the

edge in such a way that the orifice is

uppermost when the receptacle is laid

down and ready for the test (Figure

6.3.2.1.)

Figure 6.3.2.1

6.3.2.2.2.1.4 on a 200 × 200 mm metal support place

a paraffin wax candle 20 to 40 mm in

diameter and 100 mm high. The candle

shall be replaced when having a height

of less than 80 mm. The candle's flame

is protected from the action of the

spray by a 150 mm wide, 200 mm high

deflector. This includes the plane

inclined at 45° produced 150 mm from

the base of the deflector (Figure

6.3.2.2.);

Figure 6.3.2.2

6.3.2.2.2.1.5 the candle placed on the metal support

shall be positioned midway between

the two ends of the drum (Figure

6.3.2.3);

Figure 6.3.2.3

6.3.2.2.2.1.6 the drum is laid on the ground or on a

support at a spot where the temperature

is between 15 °C and 25 °C. The

product to be tested will be sprayed

within the drum of roughly 200 dm3 in

which there will be a source of

ignition.

6.3.2.2.2.2. Usually, the product leaves the aerosol can at an

angle of 90° relevant to the vertical axis of the

can. The layout and procedure described refers

to this kind of aerosol product. In the case of

unusually operating aerosols (e.g. vertical-spray

aerosol dispensers) it will be necessary to record

changes to equipment and procedures in

accordance with good laboratory practice, such

as ISO/IEC 17025:1999 General requirements

for the competence of testing and calibration

laboratories.

Procedure

6.3.2.3.1.

General requirements

6.3.2.3.1.1. Before testing, each aerosol dispenser shall be

conditioned and then primed by discharging for

approximately 1 second. The purpose of this

action is to remove non-homogeneous material

from the diptube.

6.3.2.3.1.2. The instructions of use shall be strictly followed,

including whether the dispenser is intended to be

used in the upright or inverted position. When

shaking is required, shake immediately before

testing.

6.3.2.3.1.3. The tests shall be carried out in a draught-free

environment capable of ventilation, with the

temperature controlled at 20 °C ± 5 °C and

relative humidity in the range 30-80 %.

6.3.2.3.2. Test procedure

6.3.2.3.2.1

a minimum of 3 full aerosol dispensers per

product shall be conditioned to 20 °C ± 1 °C in

a water bath with at least 95 % of the dispenser

immersed in the water for at least 30 min (if

the aerosol is fully immersed, 30 min

conditioning is sufficient);

6.3.2.3.2.2

measure or calculate the actual volume of the

drum in dm3;

6.3.2.3.2.3

comply with general requirements. Record the

temperature and relative humidity of the

environment;

6.3.2.3.2.4

determine the internal pressure and initial

discharge rate at 20°C ± 1°C (to eliminate

faulty or partly filled aerosol dispensers);

6.3.2.3.2.5

weigh one of the aerosol dispensers and note its

mass;

6.3.2.3.2.6

light the candle and apply the closure system

(cover or plastic film);

6.3.2.3.2.7

place the aerosol dispenser actuator orifice 35

mm or closer for a wide spray product, from

the centre of the entrance hole in the drum.

Start the chronometer (stopwatch) and

following the instructions for use of the

product; direct the spray towards the centre of

the opposite extremity (cover or plastic film).

The aerosol shall be tested in the position it is

designed to be used, e.g. upright or inverted;

6.3.2.3.2.8

spray until ignition occurs. Stop the

chronometer and note the time elapsed. Re-

weigh the aerosol dispenser and note its mass;

6.3.2.3.2.9

ventilate and clean the drum removing any

residue likely to affect subsequent tests. Allow

the drum to cool if necessary; and

6.3.2.3.2.10 repeat the test procedure steps 6.3.2.3.2.4 to

6.3.2.3.2.9 for another two aerosol dispensers

of the same product (three in total, note: each

dispenser is only tested once);

Method of assessing results

6.3.2.4.1. A test report containing the following information

shall be drawn up

6.3.2.4.1.1 the product tested and its references;

6.3.2.4.1.2 the internal pressure and discharge rate of the

aerosol dispenser;

6.3.2.4.1.3 the temperature and relative air humidity of the

room;

6.3.2.4.1.4 for each test, the discharge time (s) needed to

achieve ignition (if the product does not ignite,

state this);

6.3.2.4.1.5 the mass of the product sprayed during each test

(in g);

6.3.2.4.1.6 the actual volume of the drum (in dm3).

6.3.2.4.2. The time equivalent (teq) needed to achieve ignition

in one cubic metre can be calculated as follows

teq = 1 000 × discharge time (s)

Actual volume of drum (dm 3 )

6.3.2.4.3 The deflagration density (Ddef) needed to achieve

ignition during the test may also be calculated as

follows

Ddef =1 000 × Amount of product dispensed

Actual volume of drum (dm 3 )

Aerosol foam flammability test

Introduction

6.3.3.1.1. This test standard describes the method to determine

the flammability of an aerosol spray emitted in the

form of a foam, mousse, gel or paste. An aerosol,

which emits a foam, mousse, gel or paste is sprayed

(approximately 5 g) on a watchglass and an ignition

source (candle, wax taper, match or lighter) is placed

at the base of the watchglass to observe if ignition

and sustained combustion of the foam, mousse, gel or

paste occurs. Ignition is defined as a stable flame

maintained for at least two seconds and a minimum 4

cm in height.

Apparatus and material

6.3.3.2.1. The following apparatus is required

Graduated scale, support and clamp gradations in cm

Fire-resistant watchglass roughly 150 mm in diameter

Chronometer (stopwatch)

accurate to ± 0,2 s

Candle, wax taper, match or lighter

Calibrated laboratory scales (balance) accurate to ± 0,1 g

Water bath maintained at 20 °C

accurate to ± 1 °C

Thermometer

accurate to ± 1 °C

Hygrometer

accurate to ± 5 %

Pressure gauge

accurate to ± 0,1

6.3.3.2.2. The watchglass is placed on a fire-resistant surface

within a draught-free area that may be ventilated

after each test. The graduated scale is positioned

exactly behind the watchglass and held vertically by

means of a support and clamp.

6.3.3.2.3. The scale is positioned in such a way that its origin is

on a level with the watchglass base in a horizontal

plane.

Procedure

6.3.3.3.1. General requirements

6.3.3.3.1.1. Before testing, each aerosol dispenser shall be

conditioned and then primed by discharging for

approximately 1 second. The purpose of this

action is to remove non-homogeneous material

from the diptube.

6.3.3.3.1.2.

The instructions of use shall be strictly

followed, including whether the dispenser is

intended to be used in the upright or inverted

position. When shaking is required, shake

immediately before testing.

6.3.3.3.1.3. The tests shall be carried out in a draught-free

environment capable of ventilation, with the

temperature controlled at 20 °C ± 5 °C and

relative humidity in the range of 30-80 %.

6.3.3.3.2 Test procedure

6.3.3.3.2.1

a minimum of four full aerosol dispensers per

product shall be conditioned to 20 °C ± 1 °C

with at least 95 % of the dispenser immersed

in the water for at least 30 min before each

test (if the aerosol is fully immersed, 30 min

conditioning is sufficient);

6.3.3.3.2.2

comply with general requirements. Record the

temperature and relative humidity of the

environment;

6.3.3.3.2.3

determine the internal pressure at 20°C ± 1 °C

(to eliminate faulty or partly filled aerosol

dispensers);

6.3.3.3.2.4 measure the discharge or flow rate of the aerosol

product to be examined, so that the amount of

test product dispensed can be more accurately

gauged;

6.3.3.3.2.5

weigh one of the aerosol dispensers and note

its mass;

6.3.3.3.2.6

on the basis of the measured discharge or flow

rate and following the manufacturer's

instructions, release approximately 5 g of the

product onto the centre of the clean

watchglass with the aim of producing a

mound no higher than 25 mm;

6.3.3.3.2.7

within five seconds of completion of discharge,

apply the source of ignition to the edge of the

sample at its base and at the same time start

the chronometer (stopwatch). If necessary, the

ignition source shall be removed from the

edge of the sample after approximately two

seconds, in order to clearly observe if ignition

has occurred. If no ignition of the sample is

apparent, the ignition source shall be

reapplied to the edge of the sample;

6.3.3.3.2.8 if ignition occurs note the following points

6.3.3.3.2.8.1 the maximum height of the flame in cm

above the base of the watchglass;

6.3.3.3.2.8.2 the flame duration in s; and

6.3.3.3.2.8.3 dry and re-weigh the aerosol dispenser

and calculate the mass of the released

product;

6.3.3.3.2.9

ventilate the test area immediately after each

test;

6.3.3.3.2.10

if ignition is not obtained and the released

product remains in the form of a foam or

paste throughout its period of use, steps (e) to

(i) shall be repeated. Allow the product to

stand for 30 sec, 1 min, 2 min or 4 min before

applying the ignition source;

6.3.3.3.2.11

repeat the test procedure steps (e) to (j) twice

more (a total of 3) for the same can; and

6.3.3.3.2.12

repeat the test procedure steps (e) to (k) for

another two aerosol cans (3 cans in total) of

the same product.

6.3.3.4.

Method of assessing results

6.3.3.4.1. A test report containing the following information

shall be drawn up

6.3.3.4.1.1 whether the product ignites;

6.3.3.4.1.2 maximum flame height in cm;

6.3.3.4.1.3 duration of flame in s; and if

6.3.3.4.1.4 the mass of the product was tested.”.