Pyrophoric materials can ignite spontaneously at normal temperatures, including in water. Precautions must be taken when handling substances such as potassium, phosphorus, and uranium to reduce the risk of injury or damage. Safety protocols and protective gear should be used, and training is necessary for those working with such materials. Pyrophoric metals have practical applications, such as in lighters and flint and steel.
A pyrophoric material will combust spontaneously at normal temperatures. Substances are pyrophoric when their self-ignition point is extremely low, allowing them to start burning in normal air. Some of these materials also ignite in water, occasionally resulting in highly explosive reactions. Special precautions must be observed when handling such materials to reduce the risk of spontaneous ignition and potential injury or damage.
Solids, gases and liquids such as potassium, phosphine, sodium, phosphorus, uranium and iron sulfide can all be pyrophoric. In some cases, ignition can be triggered by the substance splitting, such as when someone cuts uranium into thin slices or rubs iron sulfide to create fine particles. In other cases, the material simply burns while in an inert state. Pyrophoricity can also cause materials to appear smoldering or flameless.
Depending on the material, various safety precautions must be observed when working with pyrophoric substances, ranging from avoiding temperatures that can lead to ignition to working in an environment filled with inert gases such as argon. Since humans cannot survive in such environments, a supportive respiratory system is required in these situations. Special fire extinguishers are needed to put out fires created by pyrophoric materials.
In laboratories and industries where people handle materials that can ignite spontaneously, specific protocols are usually developed for each substance. These guidelines depend on the conditions under which the substance will ignite and the risk of spontaneous combustion. Typically, personnel should wear protective clothing to reduce the risk of physical injury, and safety measures such as fume hoods and specialized tools are also available. It is also important to observe precautions when disposing of such materials.
Individuals working in environments where such materials are handled should ensure they are aware of all safety precautions. Even a lab technician or orderly is at risk of serious injury or death if he or she is not aware of what to do, and training should be provided as part of the job. If such training is not provided, it should be requested and the lack of adequate training should be reported to the organization or the officer responsible for safety oversight.
These materials have practical applications. For example, pyrophoric metals are used in lighters to create a spark; users make the spark by striking the metal to create particles, encouraging it to spontaneously ignite. The spark in turn feeds a flame which is sustained by a flammable liquid inside the lighter. Flint and steel also rely on pyrophoric properties, in this case they produce a spark which is used to start something like a fire.
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