2.3.2.: Classification criteria

2.3.2.1. Aerosols shall be classified in one of the three categories of this hazard class, depending on their flammable properties and their heat of combustion. They shall be considered for classification in Category 1 or 2 if they contain more than 1 % components (by mass) which are classified as flammable according to the following criteria set out in this Part:
Flammable gases (see Section 2.2);
Liquids with a flash point ≤ 93 °C, which includes Flammable Liquids according to Section 2.6;
Flammable solids (see Section 2.7);

or if their heat of combustion is at least 20 kJ/g.

NOTE 1: Flammable components do not cover pyrophoric, self-heating or water-reactive substances and mixtures because such components are never used as aerosol contents.

NOTE 2: Aerosols do not fall additionally within the scope of Sections 2.2 (flammable gases), 2.5 (gases under pressure), 2.6 (flammable liquids) and 2.7 (flammable solids). Depending on their contents, aerosols may however fall within the scope of other hazard classes, including their labelling elements.

2.3.2.2. An aerosol shall be classified in one of the three categories for this Class on the basis of its components, of its chemical heat of combustion and, if applicable, of the results of the foam test (for foam aerosols) and of the ignition distance test and enclosed space test (for spray aerosols) in accordance with Figures 2.3.1(a) to 2.3.1(c) of this Annex and subsections 31.4, 31.5 and 31.6 of Part III of the UN RTDG, Manual of Tests and Criteria. Aerosols which do not meet the criteria for inclusion in Category 1 or Category 2 shall be classified in Category 3.

Note:

Aerosols containing more than 1 % flammable components or with a heat of combustion of at least 20 kJ/g, which are not submitted to the flammability classification procedures in this section shall be classified as aerosols, Category 1.

Figure 2.3.1 (a)
For aerosols image

Figure 2.3.1 (b)
Spray aerosols image

Figure 2.3.1 (c)
Foam aerosols image