In addition to an emergency response plan, which of the following will further reduce the risk of a pesticide fire?

• A. Install a sprinkler system in the storage area.
• B. Store pesticides close to a heat source to prevent freezing.
• C. Post storage area with "warning" signs.
• D. Keep a fire detection system in the storage area.

Answer: (B)

Reducing the risk of a pesticide fire hinges on actively controlling and limiting what happens if a fire starts. An automatic sprinkler system in the storage area directly suppresses or slows a fire at its source, which greatly lowers both the likelihood of rapid spread and the potential damage. This kind of active measure works alongside an emergency plan to keep people safe and give responders a better chance to control the situation quickly.

A fire detection system helps by signaling that a fire is present sooner, enabling faster response, but it doesn’t prevent ignition or stop the fire from growing by itself. Postings with warnings improve awareness and safe handling, but they don’t reduce the fire risk. Storing pesticides near a heat source to prevent freezing seems logical for temperature management, but heat sources increase ignition risk and can worsen a fire scenario, not reduce it.

So, the measure that most effectively reduces fire risk beyond an emergency plan is installing a sprinkler system in the storage area.