Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420:front:0:p23
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420
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in contact with air, substances that react with water to emit flammable gasses) and other materials that are not hazardous chemicals, like wood, paper and leaves, and other combustible materials that contribute to the fire load.
You should also identify sources of oxygen, such as oxygen gas and compressed air in cylinders, chemical oxidisers and peroxides. Oxygen is always present in the air. A list of common fuel and oxygen sources are listed in Appendix H.
Note: Chemical reactions and other processes which generate gases can also cause explosions through an increase in the pressure in the container in which the chemical is stored if the gas cannot escape, even if that gas does not itself ignite.

Identifying ignition sources
Ignition sources can be any energy source that has the potential to ignite a fuel. They can be categorised into three broad types: flames, sparks and heat. Some common examples of ignition sources are provided in Table 2.

Table 2 Common examples of ignition sources

Type of ignition   Examples
source
Flames                 * Welding flames, gas heaters, pilot lights
Sparks                 * Welding arcs, starters for fluorescent lighting, electric motors, electrical equipment like power points, cigarette lighters, switches and telephones
                       * Static electricity including from friction sources
                       * Lightning
                       * Friction from drilling, grinding, scraping of metal on concrete
Heat                   * Hot surfaces including light bulbs, ovens, radiators or heaters, flue pipes, vehicle engines and exhaust systems, pumps and generators
                       * Exothermic chemical reactions (those which generate heat)

Some electrical equipment may also be a source of ignition. However, not all electrical equipment is an ignition source if it is specifically designed so that it does not create sparks. This type of equipment is referred to as "intrinsically safe"
You must identify any ignition source in your workplace that has the potential to ignite a flammable or combustible material. You should also consider sources of ignition that are adjacent to your workplace or may periodically come into your workplace, for example vehicles (with hot engine
and exhaust systems) making deliveries, visitors or other portable items like cordless power tools, radios and fans.

Other factors affecting fire and explosion risks
The following physical and chemical characteristics of materials can influence the level of risk
of a fire or explosion occurring.

Form and physical state
The form or physical state of chemicals, substances or other materials can have a significant influence on the level of risk of a fire or explosion. The physical state of a material is generally considered as either solid, liquid or gas, however materials can be further categorised as aerosolised droplets, vapours, fumes, mists, powders, dusts or fibres.
Bulk materials in solid, liquid and gas forms behave differently and present