What is a key safety precaution when handling flammable materials?

Keeping away from open flames is a key safety precaution when handling flammable materials because open flames can ignite these substances, resulting in fires or explosions. Flammable materials have a low flash point, meaning they can easily ignite when exposed to heat or sparks. By ensuring that there are no open flames in the vicinity, the risk of accidental ignition is significantly reduced, promoting a safer environment for handling such materials.

The other options suggested are less effective or even unsafe strategies for dealing with flammable materials. For instance, storing flammable substances in a refrigerator is not a recommended practice unless the refrigerator is specifically designed for such materials, as standard fridges can still present ignition risks. Mixing flammable materials with water is also often inappropriate, as many flammable liquids do not mix well with water and can still ignite. Reducing the air supply is not a practical method for everyday safety around flammable materials, as it could lead to improper ventilation and other hazardous conditions. Properly avoiding open flames remains the most direct and effective precaution.