How far must combustible materials be kept from potential ignition sources?

Keeping combustible materials a safe distance from potential ignition sources is crucial for fire prevention and safety in any environment, especially in workplaces like manufacturing floors and warehouses. The correct distance in this case is generally recognized as being 10 feet.

This standard is based on common safety practices that aim to minimize the risk of a fire igniting from sources such as hot equipment, open flames, or electrical sparks. By maintaining a 10-foot distance, you create a buffer zone that helps ensure that any heat or energy emitted from these sources does not reach the combustible materials, thus reducing the likelihood of accidental ignition.

If the distance were shorter, say 5 feet, it would increase the risk of ignition, as the heat or sparks could easily reach the combustible materials. Similarly, while 20 and 30 feet could provide more safety, they may not be necessary in all situations and could lead to inefficient use of space without significantly enhancing safety. Thus, the 10-foot rule strikes a balance between safety and practicality in a variety of working environments.