What are 'ignition sources' to control within storage areas?

• A. Friction and static discharge only.
• B. Open flames, smoking, electrical sparks, static discharge, hot work, and friction.
• C. Only open flames.
• D. Ignition sources are not controlled.

Answer: (B)

Ignition sources to control are any energy or heat sources that could initiate a reaction in the stored material. In storage areas, this means not just one thing but a range of possibilities that can provide heat or a spark. Open flames and smoking introduce flame energy directly. Electrical sparks can come from faulty wiring, switches, or equipment. Static discharge, from the buildup and sudden release of static electricity, can ignite sensitive powders or vapors. Friction from moving parts or grinding can generate heat, and hot work like welding or cutting introduces localized heat sources. Because all of these can potentially ignite explosives or flammable materials, safety programs treat them all as ignition sources to be controlled.

That’s why the comprehensive option is the best—together it covers every major category of ignition energy. The other choices are incomplete because they omit one or more of these critical sources, and one option even incorrectly suggests ignition sources aren’t controlled.