Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is likely to be found in a Class III hazardous area classification?

1. Combustible gases

2. Easily ignitable fibers

3. Toxic powders

4. Corrosive vapors

The correct answer is: Easily ignitable fibers

A Class III hazardous area classification is designated for environments where there is the potential for the presence of easily ignitable fibers or flyings. This includes dusts generated from materials such as textiles, paper, or wood that can accumulate and pose a fire hazard when airborne. The specific characteristics of these fibers make them more likely to catch fire, creating a combustible dust situation. In contrast, the other choices—combustible gases, toxic powders, and corrosive vapors—pertain to different classifications. Combustible gases are typically associated with Class I areas, where flammable gases may exist. Toxic powders can exist in various environments but do not fit the specific criteria for Class III. Corrosive vapors would generally correspond to chemical hazards, which are more related to corrosive materials rather than the flammability and dust characteristics of Class III conditions. Thus, the presence of easily ignitable fibers directly aligns with the defining features of a Class III hazardous area.