Type of ignition sources

1.Sparks
Spark are the discharge of electrons that may or may not expend all of the energy in
a single discharge. An arc is a continuous stream of electrons bridging a gap
between two conductive surfaces in close proximity.

The size or intensity of arcs and sparks depends on the resistance of the substance
between the points of discharge. Once the voltage is high enough to overcome the
dielectric strength of the air, the air will ionize allowing a conductive path for
electricity to flow. Due to the high resistively of air, there will generally be enough
energy dissipated in an arc or spark to ignite a flammable vapour.

The current or amount of electricity that is flowing will dictate the temperature of the
arc. The higher the current, the higher the temperature. As shown below even arcs
with lower currents have enough heat energy that the likelihood of ignition is high.

Some common examples of arcs and sparks as an ignition source are listed below.
Sparking of electric motors, generators, or other electrical rotating equipment Arcing
between contacts (i.e. switches and relays) Arcs due to broken, inadequate, or failed
insulation lightning strikes. Discharge of a charged capacitor through a gas.
The example work place for this hazard is at welding workshop.
2.Hot Surfaces
Surfaces that exceed the minimum auto-ignition temperature of a hydrocarbon have
the potential to ignite hydrocarbon vapours.

Effects of Temperature on Lower Limits of Flammability of 10 Paraffin Hydrocarbons

in Air at an Atmospheric Pressure.
Experience and studies have shown, however, that published minimum auto-ignition
temperatures must be exceeded by hundreds of degrees to ignite a flammable air
hydro carbon mixture in the open air. This is because field conditions are much
different from the controlled laboratory conditions created for traditional ignition
temperature tests. In the open air, wind and convection currents prevent the air-
hydrocarbon mixture from contacting the hot surface for long periods. With the result
that a hot surface in the open air needs to exceed the minimum ignition temperature
of the hydrocarbon by about 200oC for ignition to occur.
The example work place for this hazard is at kitchen,factory ,boiler room etc.
3.Electricity
An electrical hazard is a dangerous condition where a worker can or does make
electrical contact with energized equipment or a conductor. From that contact, the
person may sustain an injury from shock, and there is a potential for the worker to
receive an arc flash (electrical explosion) burn, thermal burn or blast injury.

Electricity can either be "static" or "dynamic". Dynamic electricity is the uniform

motion of electrons through condition (electric current). Static electricity is the
accumulation of charge on surfaces as a result of contact and friction with another
surface.

According to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) there were 83¹ electrocutions in
Ontario from 2001 through 2010. According to ESA, the most common cause of
occupational electrocution is using an improper procedure (60%)²

Cause of electrical Hazards.

1.Improper Grounding
2. Exposed Electrical Parts
3. Inadequate Wiring
5. Damaged Insulation
6. Overloaded Circuits
7. Damaged Tools & Equipment
8. Wet Conditions
9. Overhead Power Lines
The most common type of work to result in an electrocution is routine work involving
repair and maintenance.
Example work place
Factory, house,school , etc
4.compressed gas

Thousands of products are available which contain gases and mixtures of gases
stored under pressure in cylinders. Most of these gases are classified as "compressed
gases" according to WHMIS 1988 technical criteria. The Controlled Products
Regulations contain details of these criteria.

There are three major groups of compressed gases stored in cylinders: liquefied, non-
liquefied and dissolved gases. In each case, the pressure of the gas in the cylinder is
commonly given in units of kilopascals (kPa) or pounds per square inch gauge (psig).

Gauge pressure = Total gas pressure inside cylinder - atmospheric pressure

Atmospheric pressure is normally about 101.4 kPa (14.7 psi). Note that compressed
gas cylinder with a pressure gauge reading of 0 kPa or 0 psig is not really empty. It
still contains gas at atmospheric pressure.

Dangerously Reactive Gases

Some pure compressed gases are chemically unstable. If exposed to slight

temperature or pressure increases, or mechanical shock, they can readily undergo
certain types of chemical reactions such as polymerization or decomposition. These
reactions may become violent, resulting in fire or explosion. Some dangerously
reactive gases have other chemicals, called inhibitors, added to prevent these
hazardous reactions.

Common dangerously reactive gases are acetylene, 1,3-butadiene, methyl acetylene,

vinyl chloride, tetrafluoroethylene and vinyl fluoride.

Example work place steam boiler, energy plant, factry, etc.