4. Limiting the effects of an explosion

Despite all the precautions taken to avoid an explosion, the risk is not completely avoidable, and it is part of your obligations to limit the impact of an explosion should it occur. The plant manager must therefore take the necessary technical and organizational measures to :

• prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres;

• avoid ignition of explosive atmospheres;

• mitigate the effects of an explosion and prevent its spread.

Nevertheless, few generic techniques exist for limiting the effects of an explosion without causing major impacts. As a result, each situation must be analyzed and the mode of protection determined with full knowledge of the facts. An in-depth study must be carried out to prioritize impacts and identify the major ones...