Reactive Flammable Material

Under the Canadian Controlled Products Regulations, a reactive flammable material is a material which is a dangerous fire risk because it can react readily with air or water. This category includes any material which: 1. is spontaneously combustible, that is, a material which can react with air until enough heat builds up that it begins to burn; 2.can react vigorously with air under normal conditions without actually catching fire; 3.gives off dangerous quantities of flammable gas on reaction with water; or 4.becomes spontaneously combustible when it contacts water or water vapour. | Reactive flammable materials must be kept dry and isolated from oxygen (in air) or other oxidizing agents. Therefore, they are often stored and handled in an atmosphere of unreactive gas, such as nitrogen or argon. | The Controlled Products Regulations are part of the national Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).