Which of the following is a source of electrical spark ignition?

Static electricity is a significant source of electrical spark ignition. It occurs when there is an imbalance of electrical charges in or on the surface of objects. This can happen in many situations, such as when materials are rubbed together, causing a build-up of charge. When these charges accumulate to a certain level, they can discharge suddenly, producing a spark. If this spark occurs in an environment where flammable gases or vapors are present, it can ignite them, leading to a fire or explosion.

Understanding the dangers of static electricity is crucial for safety inspections, particularly in environments where gas is present. It’s essential to mitigate static electricity through grounding, proper handling procedures, and environmental controls to prevent ignition sources from causing hazardous situations.

In contrast, while open flames, natural gas detectors, and gas appliances are all related to gas safety, they do not fall under electrical spark ignition sources like static electricity does. Open flames are a direct ignition source, while natural gas detectors serve to sense gas leaks to prevent accumulations that could lead to ignition. Gas appliances can produce heat and flame as part of their normal operation but do not inherently create electrical sparks. Understanding these distinctions is important for conducting effective safety inspections.