Is the Material that PIG Mats are Made From Flammable?
Just about every variety of PIG Mat is made from 100% polypropylene, which is good news for your fire safety initiatives. When polypropylene is exposed to sparks, flames or other heat sources it will melt and self-extinguish, not burn. Since PIG Mat’s flame-resistant properties do not support combustion, it will not fuel a fire.
We say “just about” because two mats in our lineup are cellulose-based — Pig Blue Mat and PIG Water Absorbent Mat — giving them different properties than our polypropylene mats. Because their cellulose fibers are derived from wood pulp, which is flammable, we take extra steps during manufacturing to make these mats more flame resistant. By treating them with a fire retardant and flame-testing them in accordance with ASTM Standard E84-08, we can offer a safer product compared to untreated cellulose mats.
Important: Mats Take On the Properties of the Liquids They Absorb
Keep in mind, the above information applies only to mats in their unused, virgin state. So, it’s important to understand that once our flame-resistant mats soak up a flammable liquid, that mat is no longer going to resist flames. It’s safest to assume that all mats take on the properties of the liquids they absorb, and should be handled with the same precautions as the absorbed liquid itself.
What’s the Safest PIG Mat for Use Around Flammable Liquids?
If you’re using absorbent mats in fueling areas or for soaking up flammable liquids, the best mat for the job is PIG Stat-Mat Pads and Rolls. These all-polypropylene mats have the same flame-resistant properties as our regular PIG Mat, but they’re also specially treated and packaged to dissipate static. This reduces the risk of electrostatic discharge, which is a critical precaution around flammable liquids and vapors.
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