Oxygen Enrichment
Oxygen enrichment refers to air containing more than 23.5 percent oxygen. This dangerous condition is an extreme fire hazard in which static electricity from materials such as hair or clothing can provide the ignition source needed to start a fire. This environment also allows any fire to burn more readily. Oxygen enrichment does not occur naturally and should be investigated.
Oxygen enrichment can be caused by leaking oxygen cylinders or hoses that have been brought into or near the space. Always ventilate confined spaces with normal, ambient air. Never use pure oxygen.
Combustible and Flammable Gases
Atmospheres containing combustible or flammable gases or vapors can be dangerous because of the threat of fire and explosion.
Three ingredients are necessary for an atmosphere to become flammable or explosive:
- an ignition source (heat or flame),
- fuel (combustible gas or vapor), and
- oxygen.
However, the proportions of fuel and oxygen in a mixture must be within the flammable range for this mixture to be readily ignitable.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-4. What are the three ingredients necessary for an atmosphere to become flammable or explosive?
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