What action can help minimize ignition risks in explosion-prone areas?

Ensuring proper ventilation is critical in explosion-prone areas because it helps to dilute any flammable vapors or gases that may accumulate. Adequate ventilation allows fresh air to mix with these potentially hazardous substances, thereby reducing the concentration of flammable mixtures below their lower explosive limits. This dilution significantly decreases the likelihood of ignition, as many explosive mixtures require a specific range of concentration to burn or explode.

Additionally, good ventilation can help disperse any heat generated from equipment or processes, thereby preventing hot spots that may lead to ignition. In environments where flammable materials are handled or processed, maintaining proper air movement is essential for safety and helps to create a safer working environment.

Other options, such as increasing temperature, reducing oxygen supply, or utilizing non-combustible materials exclusively, do not address the issue as effectively. Increasing temperature could potentially raise the energy levels of combustible materials, while reducing the oxygen supply may not be feasible in many practical settings. Utilizing non-combustible materials is a good safety practice but does not eliminate all ignition sources or scenarios where flammable vapors might be present. Thus, effective ventilation stands out as the most direct way to mitigate ignition risks.