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:

A closure system consisting of a hinged cover shall be matched to the open end of the receptacle; or 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; 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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 %.

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);

Measure or calculate the actual volume of the drum in dm3;

Comply with general requirements. Record the temperature and relative humidity of the environment;

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

Weigh one of the aerosol dispensers and note its mass;

Light the candle and apply the closure system (cover or plastic film);

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;

Spray until ignition occurs. Stop the chronometer and note the time elapsed. Re-weigh the aerosol dispenser and note its mass;

Ventilate and clean the drum removing any residue likely to affect subsequent tests. Allow the drum to cool if necessary;

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);

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.

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.

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 %.

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);

Comply with general requirements. Record the temperature and relative humidity of the environment;

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

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;

Weigh one of the aerosol dispensers and note its mass;

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;

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;

The maximum height of the flame in cm above the base of the watchglass; The flame duration in s; Dry and re-weigh the aerosol dispenser and calculate the mass of the released product;

Ventilate the test area immediately after each test;

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;

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

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