Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is the preferred flash point for an industrial cleaning solvent?

1. 120 degrees F

2. 140 degrees F

3. 160 degrees F

4. 180 degrees F

The correct answer is: 140 degrees F

The preferred flash point for an industrial cleaning solvent is often considered to be around 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The flash point of a solvent is critical because it indicates the temperature at which the solvent can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air. Solvents with a flash point of 140 degrees F strike a balance, being high enough to minimize the risk of ignition under standard working conditions while still being low enough to be effective for cleaning tasks. Selecting a solvent with a flash point around this temperature helps ensure safety in industrial environments, where heating of solvents might occur due to equipment or processes. Solvents with flash points below this range may increase fire hazards, particularly when used near open flames or in high-heat operations. Similarly, solvents with significantly higher flash points may not be as effective or practical for immediate cleaning applications, especially when quick evaporation and cleaning action are required. Therefore, a flash point of approximately 140 degrees F is generally seen as optimal for balancing efficacy and safety in industrial cleaning scenarios.