ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the relationship between confined spaces and fires and explosions that occur in them. That is, how the unique environment of the confined space exacerbates the severity of fire and explosion. Surface combustion occurs directly on the surface of the material as with pure carbon and readily oxidizable metals and nonmetals. Combustion of substances containing carbon results in the formation of two possible gaseous products: carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. Molecules of gas or vapor are constrained in their motion only by the boundaries of the containment and are free to intermingle. Flammable gases burn in air in the same manner as the vapors from flammable and combustible liquids. Flash point is a key indicator in consideration about the hazard posed by liquids that can burn. Complementing the National Fire Protection Association classification of flash point is the classification of the atmospheric hazard by substance in the US National Electrical Code. This classification includes gases, vapors, and dusts.
