Is avgas flammable?

In brief

Yes, extremely. Avgas has a flash point about −40°C. Its vapour can ignite at normal outdoor temperatures, so any spark or flame nearby is dangerous. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.

Fire risk from avgas at work

At work, DSEAR requires a risk assessment and controls for flammable substances such as avgas: ventilation, no ignition sources, suitable containers and safe transfer.

Avgas hazards

Avgas is highly flammable with a flash point far below normal temperatures, harmful if swallowed and it enters the airways, and toxic to aquatic life. The lead compound in 100LL is toxic and may damage fertility.

Avgas in practice

Jet fuel in a piston aircraft is a serious safety hazard, so any avgas that might contain jet fuel is quarantined and removed rather than used.

How City Fuel Services handles waste avgas

Every load of waste avgas is assessed before anything is booked. Tell us the quantity, the containers and any contamination; we confirm the terms, collect with a suitable vehicle, and take it to a permitted facility on a consignment note.

Terms used in this answer

DSEAR: The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. They require employers to assess and control fire and explosion risks from substances such as petrol.
Flash point: The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapour to catch light. Petrol's is around minus 40 °C; diesel's is above 55 °C.

Key facts
Density at 15°C	Typically about 690–720 kg/m³
Flash point	About −40°C
Colour	Blue (100LL)
Lead	Tetraethyl lead in 100LL
Ethanol	None
Fuel	Avgas
Also called	aviation gasoline, aviation spirit, Avgas 100LL
Waste code	13 07 02* (petrol)
Transport	UN1203, class 3, packing group II
Standard	ASTM D910 and DEF STAN 91-090 (Avgas 100LL); ASTM D7547 (UL91)