For a fire to start or an explosion to occur, fuel (ie a flammable substance), air and a source of ignition are all needed. Controlling or eliminating these can prevent fires.

The wide variety of flammable substances found in the workplace range from the obvious – eg heating fuel, petrol, paint thinners and welding gases, to the less obvious – packaging materials, dusts from wood, flour and sugar are a few examples.

For more detailed information and guidance on all the areas covered here, click on the 'Live Issues' link from the list on the left.