What is meant by 'volatility' in fire safety?

Volatility in fire safety refers to the tendency of a liquid or solid to vaporize, which is crucial for understanding how flammable materials behave under certain conditions. When a substance has high volatility, it means that it can easily turn into vapor at relatively low temperatures. This property is critical in assessing fire risks because volatile substances can produce flammable vapors that may ignite and lead to combustion, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

Understanding volatility helps in evaluating the risks associated with different materials in a fire safety context. For instance, knowing that a certain liquid is highly volatile informs safety protocols for storage and handling, ensuring that adequate measures, such as proper ventilation and temperature control, are in place to minimize the risk of fire.