What protection is permitted for aboveground piping located in hazardous areas?

An automatic sprinkler system is an appropriate form of protection for aboveground piping in hazardous areas because it is designed to activate in the event of a fire, providing immediate suppression capabilities. The sprinkler system can control or extinguish fires before they escalate, thus minimizing risks associated with hazardous materials that may be present.

In hazardous areas, the presence of flammable or combustible materials creates a significant risk for fire. An automatic sprinkler system offers a reliable and effective means to combat potential fires, as it operates independently of human intervention and can quickly cool the surroundings, protect the piping, and prevent fire spread.

Other options, while they may have specific applications or benefits, do not provide the same level of immediate and active fire suppression. Manual operation relies on human intervention, which may be delayed. An automatic drainage system primarily manages water runoff and may not directly combat fire hazards. Fire blankets, although useful for small fires or to cover equipment, are not practical for large-scale fire protection in hazardous areas.