Safety Definitions
The Definition of Explosion Hazard
An explosion hazard exists wherever flammable gases, vapors, combustible dusts, or reactive chemicals are present in concentrations that could ignite and rapidly release energy.
An explosion hazard exists wherever flammable gases, vapors, combustible dusts, or reactive chemicals are present in concentrations that could ignite and rapidly release energy.
An explosion hazard exists wherever flammable gases, vapors, combustible dusts, or reactive chemicals are present in concentrations that could ignite and rapidly release energy, causing a destructive pressure wave, fire, or projectile debris. Explosion hazards can arise from fuel storage and handling, chemical processing, confined space work involving flammable atmospheres, or the accumulation of combustible dust described elsewhere in this glossary. Controlling explosion hazards typically involves eliminating or controlling ignition sources, ensuring proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of flammable concentrations, and using explosion-proof equipment rated for hazardous locations.
Workers welding near a partially drained fuel storage tank fail to account for residual flammable vapors inside the tank, resulting in a small explosion when a spark ignites the trapped vapors; the facility subsequently mandates atmospheric testing and vapor freeing procedures before any hot work near fuel storage equipment.
Explosion hazards typically arise when flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust accumulate in sufficient concentration within an enclosed or semi-enclosed space and an ignition source, such as a spark, flame, or hot surface, is present nearby.
Explosion-proof equipment is specially designed and certified to contain any internal spark or arc so it cannot ignite a surrounding flammable atmosphere, and it is typically required in areas classified as hazardous locations due to the routine or potential presence of flammable gases, vapors, or dust.
Hot work near flammable materials can be made safer through atmospheric testing before work begins, issuing hot work permits that confirm proper precautions are in place, maintaining fire watches during and after the work, and removing or isolating flammable materials from the work area whenever possible.
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