Following earlier theoretical work in which it was shown that the widely accepted flash point for formic acid is in significant error, this was checked using a modem closed-cup flash point measurement facility. Results obtained are at odds with the previously reported value but in excellent agreement with predictive calculations. A 'by-product' of the work is that non-propagating flame kernels were reproducibly observed a few degrees below the flash point. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.