LAUSR

Abstract The safety characteristics of flammable gases and liquids are required when identifying potentially explosive mixtures and taking appropriate actions concerning explosion protection. Examples are given here of the safe handling and evaluation of hazards during the processing, storage, transport, and disposal of flammable liquids and gases. The CHEMSAFE database is presented as a reliable source of safety characteristic data, and its new open-access version is introduced. CHEMSAFE currently contains assessed properties for about 3000 liquids, gases and mixtures. The lack of a broad experimental foundation in the extensive field of non-atmospheric conditions shows the need for further investigation and standardization. This article summarizes experimental evidence and estimation methods for safety characteristic data under non-atmospheric conditions pointing out current limitations. Suggestions for pre-normative research on safety data under non-atmospheric conditions are given.