In areas where it is suspected that the atmosphere is flammable, you should never do what?

In environments where there is a suspicion that the atmosphere is flammable, operating any power tool is extremely hazardous and should be strictly avoided. Power tools generate sparks, heat, and may create a potential ignition source that can trigger an explosion or fire in a flammable atmosphere. This risk is particularly pronounced in areas like aircraft hangars or fuel storage facilities, where flammable vapors or gases may accumulate.

Protective clothing is essential in such scenarios to shield responders from potential heat or fire hazards, and it serves to enhance safety rather than detract from it. Similarly, while operating manual tools carries some risk, they are generally considered safer than power tools when concerns about igniting flammable materials exist. Hydraulic ventilation, used to control smoke and heat in a fire situation, is also a crucial technique for maintaining safety and visibility. The key takeaway is that power tools represent a significant risk due to their capacity to create sparks and heat, thus, their use is prohibited in potentially flammable areas.