Is it generally considered impractical to eliminate all possible ignition sources in a process facility?

Eliminating all possible ignition sources in a process facility is generally considered impractical due to several factors that are inherent to the operational realities of such facilities. Industrial environments often incorporate numerous processes, equipment, and materials that can produce heat or sparks, making it nearly impossible to account for every potential ignition source.

In a typical process facility, activities such as maintenance, welding, and equipment operation can introduce ignition risks. Additionally, the presence of various chemicals, along with environmental factors such as dust or static electricity, complicates the complete elimination of ignition sources. While it is certainly important to minimize ignition sources through good design practices, proper maintenance, and a robust safety culture, achieving a state where no ignition sources exist at all is not feasible.

For these reasons, safety strategies often involve risk mitigation rather than complete elimination. This includes the implementation of safety controls, using intrinsically safe equipment, regular inspections, and establishing strict operational protocols to manage any identified ignition hazards. Thus, the acknowledgement that it's impractical to eliminate all ignition sources reflects a realistic approach to safety in process industries.