Key control measures for managing the Ex risks include:

• identifying and managing hazardous areas
• controlling emissions of flammable vapours, gases and mists (see below)
• use of ventilation systems to control vapours during both normal and abnormal conditions (e.g. leak or spill)
• eliminating ignition sources from hazardous areas (see below)
• installing systems to detect leaks of flammable gases or vapours and enable response actions to be taken
• using intrinsically safe, flameproof, etc equipment
• substituting flammable materials for ones that are less flammable or combustible
• ensuring incompatible materials (e.g. oxidizers and oils) are separated or segregated
• reducing quantities of flammable and combustible materials, including items that contribute to the fire load but that are not hazardous chemicals themselves (e.g. wooden pallets, oil)
• ensuring equipment used in handling flammable hazardous chemicals is maintained in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
• adopting good housekeeping practices to minimise accumulation of combustible dusts.

All about money, time and efforts, BUT more about saving life.