Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) G3 Practice Exam

To ensure safety, flammable gases should be handled in accordance with which principle?

1. Maximizing airflow

2. Avoiding ignition sources

3. Using high-pressure containers

4. Conducting combustion in enclosed spaces

The correct answer is: Avoiding ignition sources

Handling flammable gases safely is crucial to prevent fires and explosions. The principle of avoiding ignition sources is paramount because it directly addresses the risk of igniting a flammable gas mixture. Ignition sources include open flames, sparks from electrical equipment, hot surfaces, and static electricity, all of which can trigger a fire or explosion if they come into contact with flammable gases. Therefore, by ensuring that environments where flammable gases are present are free from these potential ignition sources, the risk of an incident can be effectively minimized. While aspects such as airflow may contribute to safety, it does not mitigate the direct risk of ignition as effectively as removing ignition sources. High-pressure containers and conducting combustion in enclosed spaces can present their own safety challenges that would require careful consideration and specific handling protocols, but they do not inherently serve the purpose of ensuring maximum safety for flammable gases. So, the focus on avoiding ignition sources is the foundational principle for safe handling practices concerning flammable gases.