The Aerosol Dispensers Regulations 2009

• (c) comply with general requirements; record the temperature and relative humidity of the environment;

• (d) determine the internal pressure and initial discharge rate at 20 °C ± 1 °C (to eliminate faulty or partly filled aerosol dispensers);

• (e) weigh one of the aerosol dispensers and note its mass;

• (f) light the candle and apply the closure system (cover or plastic film);

• (g) 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;

• (h) spray until ignition occurs; stop the chronometer and note the time elapsed; re-weigh the aerosol dispenser and note its mass;

• (i) ventilate and clean the drum removing any residue likely to affect subsequent tests; allow the drum to cool if necessary;

• (j) repeat the test procedure steps (d) to (i) for another two aerosol dispensers of the same product (three in total, note: each dispenser is only tested once).

Method of assessing results

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A test report containing the following information shall be drawn up:

• (a) the product tested and its references;

• (b) the internal pressure and discharge rate of the aerosol dispenser;

• (c) the temperature and relative air humidity of the room;

• (d) for each test, the discharge time (s) needed to achieve ignition (if the product does not ignite, state this);

• (e) the mass of the product sprayed during each test (in g);

• (f) the actual volume of the drum (in dm³).

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The time equivalent (teq) needed to achieve ignition in one cubic metre can be calculated as follows:

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The deflagration density (Ddef) needed to achieve ignition during the test may also be calculated as follows:

Aerosol foam flammability test

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Introduction

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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

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The following apparatus is required:

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The watch-glass 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 watch-glass and held vertically by means of a support and clamp.

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The scale is positioned in such a way that its origin is on a level with the watch-glass base in a horizontal plane.

Procedure

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General requirements

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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.

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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.

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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%.

Test procedure

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• (a) 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 minutes conditioning is sufficient);

• (b) comply with general requirements. Record the temperature and relative humidity of the environment;

• (c) determine the internal pressure at 20°C ± 1 °C (to eliminate faulty or partly filled aerosol dispensers);

• (d) 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;

• (e) weigh one of the aerosol dispensers and note its mass;

• (f) 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 watch glass with the aim of producing a mound no higher than 25 mm;

• (g) 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;

• (h) if ignition occurs note the following points:

• (i) the maximum height of the flame in cm above the base of the watch-glass;

• (ii) the flame duration in s;

• (iii) dry and re-weigh the aerosol dispenser and calculate the mass of the released product;

• (i) ventilate the test area immediately after each test;

• (j) 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 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes or 4 minutes before applying the ignition source;

• (k) repeat the test procedure steps (e) to (j) twice more (a total of 3) for the same can;

• (l) repeat the test procedure steps (e) to (k) for another two aerosol cans (3 cans in total) of the same product.

Method of assessing results

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A test report containing the following information shall be drawn up:

• (a) whether the product ignites;

• (b) the maximum flame height in cm;

• (c) the duration of flame in seconds;

• (d) the mass of the product tested.

Obligations that are met by complying with obligations in the Directive