Basic H&S Guidelines

3.3 Background Information on the Development and Propagation of Fires

Fire can result from the right combination of fuel, heat and oxygen. When a material is heated to
its ignition temperature, it will ignite and continue to burn as long as there is more fuel, an
adequate supply of oxygen and the proper temperature. Likewise, when a flammable or
combustible liquid is heated to temperatures greater than its flash point, there is adequate vapour
in the air to support combustion if an ignition source and oxygen are present. Possible ignition
sources are listed in the table below:

From such sources as fixed water boilers, gas welding and cutting, engine
Flames backfire or exhaust gases, heating and kitchen appliances, cigarette
smoking.

Including welding slag, hot spots on the opposite side of work pieces
during welding, hot fumes and exhausts, hot process piping and
Hot Surfaces equipment, lighting and other electrical equipment, frictional heat from
slipping belt drives, unlubricated bearings, heating and cooking
appliances.

From hand tools, electric motors or generators, switches and relays,

Sparks or
wiring, electric arc welding, storage batteries, boiler ignition devices,
Electric Arcs
lighting systems, torches.

Can be generated from many sources, including high fluid velocities

Sparks from
(fueling, filling vessels, steam cleaning, grit blasting, spray painting),
Static Electricity
normal frictional body movements when wearing synthetic clothes,
Discharge
radiofrequency transmission, and lighting.

Chemical Which evolve heat, including substances that may ignite spontaneously on
Reactions exposure to air such as white phosphorus, or water-reactive chemicals.

Heat of When hydrocarbon gases are mixed with air, e.g. by admission of VOCs
Compression into air compressors, or from the incomplete purging of pressure vessels.

Table 3.1 – Potential Ignition Sources

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