Personal Ignition Sources

Additional information on electrical classification can be found in Chapter 7. 

Controls are required for ignition sources that may be carried into a hazardous area. These ignition sources include any material, object, or device that is potentially incendiary or capable of producing a spark. 

Personal electronic or electrical devices that may require control are pagers, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and personal radios or music players. Few, if any, of these devices are evaluated to determine if they may be safely used in hazardous areas. Typically, such devices do not claim to be intrinsically safe or of nonincendive circuit design (NFPA 70, Articles 500 and 504). 

Fires in the workplace continue to be caused by matches, lighters, and carelessly discarded cigarettes and other smoking materials that ignite near combustible materials. Control of these potential ignition sources is essential for an effective fire prevention program. Facility management should consider 

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Leaks cannot lead directly to personal injury. They can lead to fire or explosion if there is an ignition source and to oil pollution if there is inadequate containment. Both the immediacy of the hazard developing and the magnitude of the hazard will be smaller with leaks than with overpressure. Thus, although it is necessary to protect against leaks, thi.s protection will not require the same level of safety that is required to protect against overpressure. 

Petroleum distillates are highly flammable so care must be taken when using these solvents near ignition sources or devices that can induce sparks. Contact with strong oxidizers should be avoided. Persons using paint(s) containing petroleum distillates should exercise caution when painting in poorly ventilated, enclosed areas. 

Isolating the area, by barricades or shields, to exclude inadequately protected persons. Eliminating external hazards, such as ignition sources if the piping contains flammable material, and sealing off drains or other possible sources of noxious liquids, vapors, or gases. 

All fluid handling and transfer operations should be conducted in well-ventilated areas by two or more persons. All equipment and accessories should be grounded. The gas is highly flammable and is readily ignited, so all ignition sources should be eliminated unless used for a particular application. 

Leaks involving toxic and flammable gases pose the risk of personal injury to individuals attempting repairs, and repairs should not be attempted by local persormel unless it is certain that they can be done safely. Evacuation is usually recommended. Where flammable gas leaks are concerned, all ignition sources must be turned off prior to evacuating a facility, if time permits. It is foolish to risk life or personal injury unless by doing so there is a reasonable likelihood to possibly save others. 

Safe work practices for ethylene oxide fall into two areas (1) the normal practices associated with the use of a flammable gas and (2) health practices needed to reduce exposures to the vapors. For the former set of problems and the more common health problems, the procedures are relatively straightforward, the same as for other chemicals with similar properties keep ignition sources and reactive materials away from the material do not smoke, eat, or drink in the are and wear personal protective equipment (goggles, gloves, respiratory protection, and protective clothing) as needed to prevent exposure. 

Accidents If large amounts of this compound are inhaled, move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention at once. In the event of an acetylene leak, shut down and remove aU ignition sources and ventilate the area at once to prevent flammable mixtures from forming. Carefully remove cylinders with slow leaks to remote outdoor locations. Limit access to an affected area. Respiratory protection may be necessary in the event of a large release or a leak in a confined area. 

If a spill of appreciable quantity occurs, leave the area quickly unless you have specific emergency duties. Do not touch spilled material. Designated persons may stop the leak and shutoff ignition sources if these procedures can be done without risk. Designated persons should isolate the hazard area and deny entry except for necessary people protected by suitable protective clothing and respirators adequate for the exposure. Use water spray to reduce vapors. Do not smoke, and prohibit all flames or flares in the hazard area. 

There must also be a list and schedule of the regular maintenance for the safeguards, sensors, and controls for heat-producing equipment (29 CFR 1910.39). This list must also identify the person responsible for the regular maintenance (29 CFR 1910.39). This is a key component of controlling ignition sources. 

The process of risk management is sometimes easy and sometimes difficult and problematic. It is easy to wear personal protective equipment, such as safety goggles, and to take steps such as not using flammable solvents near ignition sources. The severity of a hazard is dependent not only on its nature but... 

Electrical equipment installed in flammable or dust-laden explosible atmospheres needs to be selected so that it cannot act as an ignition source. This requires hazardous areas to be classified according to the likelihood of a flammable or explosible atmosphere being present, and then suitable equipment being selected, installed and maintained by competent persons. Detailed information on the requirements is contained in Chapter 15. 

For leaks on liquid hydrogen systems, observe the same precautions noted above. Isolate and restrict unauthorized access to the area. Eliminate any ignition sources in the immediate area of the leak. Immediately notify your hydrogen supplier for assistance and/or instructions. Proper personal protective equipment should be used before attempting to handle or repair any leak. 

Should a leak occur, evacuate personnel from the area, shut off all ignition sources, ventilate the area, and reduce vapors with fog or fine water spray. Shut off the main source of gas supply. Flammable and toxic vapors may spread. The atmosphere should be checked with an appropriate detector while using self-contained breathing apparatus. For large leaks, personnel must wear special personal protective suits for fire/chemicals and positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. 

With methanol spillage, fire hazard is the first concern. Open flame and ignition sources in the nearby area should be shut off immediately. All persons should withdraw to a safe distance. 

Storage Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from heat, sparks, open flame, other ignition sources keep tightly closed Uses Solvent for cellulosics, acrylics, epoxides, alkyds, polyester, PU, paints/coat-ings, industrial applies. solvent-sealing of cellophane polyester and alkyd resins antifreeze coolant heat transfer fluid deicing fluid plasticizer detergents and surfactants bactericide surf. tens, reducer in cleaners chem. intermediate in foods, pharmaceuticals, personal care... 

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