What safety measure should be taken to prevent an explosion when handling flammable materials?

Ensuring proper ventilation is a critical safety measure when handling flammable materials because it helps to disperse any potentially explosive vapors that may accumulate in the air. Adequate ventilation reduces the concentration of flammable vapors in the environment, which minimizes the risk of ignition from sparks, heat sources, or static electricity. Proper airflow ensures that any hazardous substances released into the atmosphere are diluted and carried away, effectively lowering the chances of an explosion occurring.

Monitoring temperature, while important, does not directly address the prevention of vapor buildup that poses an explosion risk. Storing materials in a warm place could inadvertently raise the temperature of flammable substances, increasing vapor pressure and the likelihood of ignition. Although using metal containers can be beneficial for certain applications, it alone does not mitigate the risk of flammable vapors accumulating in a confined space. Therefore, maintaining proper ventilation stands out as the most effective preventive measure against potential explosions when handling flammable materials.