Can I check my oil paints when I am flying without having them confiscated? by Scott Burdick
I’ve run into several airport security workers who also called me back to the check-in gate after searching my luggage and telling me that oil paints are flammable and not allowed to be checked. In each case I asked to talk to a manager and had them correct the person and tell them that it is okay to check oil paints and that they aren’t flammable. However, it is quite a hassle to get called all the way back from the gate and have to go through security a second time, so what I do now is include the following print outs in with my packed paints. You’re welcome to print them out for yourself.
Air Travel with artists’ colors made from vegetable oil.
The US Department of Transportation defines “flammable liquids” as those with a flash point 140 degrees F or below. Artist grade oil colors are based on vegetable oil with a flash point at or above 450 degrees F. THEY ARE NOT HAZARDOUS.
If you need to confirm this, please contact TSA at 866-289-9673 or their Hazardous Materials Research Center at 800-467-4922.
MSDS Data Sheet
Packed with the paints is the MSDS data sheet from the paint manufacturer with the exact flash point info.
WINSOR & NEWTON COLART AMERICA — 089 ARTISTS OIL COLOR CADMIUM ORANGE
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MSDS Safety Information
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FSC: 8010
MSDS Date: 11/17/1994
MSDS Num: BWVSS
LIIN: 00F038794
Product ID: 089 ARTISTS OIL COLOR CADMIUM ORANGE
MFN: 01
Responsible Party
Cage: 03103
Name: WINSOR & NEWTON COLART AMERICAS INC
Address: 11 CONSTITUTION AVE
Box: 2390
City: PISCATAWAY NJ 08855-1396
Info Phone Number: 908-562-0770/800-628-3385
Emergency Phone Number: 800-628-3385/908-562-0770
Review Ind: Y
Published:
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Fire and Explosion Hazard Information
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Flash Point Method: CC
Flash Point Text: 446F
Extinguishing Media: CO2, DRY CHEMICAL, FOAM
Fire Fighting Procedures: KEEP COOL.
Unusual Fire/Explosion Hazard: BLACK SMOKE MAY BE EVOLVED WHICH EFFECTS EYES
& LUNGS. AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE: >572F.
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Reactivity Data
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Stability Indicator: YES
Stability Condition To Avoid: EXTREME TEMPS
Materials To Avoid: COMBUSTIBLE MATTER, COTTON WASTE
Hazardous Decomposition Products: ACROLEIN
Hazardous Polymerization Indicator: NO
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