To prevent accidental ignition of combustible material in a welding shop, which action should be followed?

• A. Eye protection should be worn
• B. Welding should be done outside
• C. Only trained operators should weld
• D. Shop rags should be stored in metal containers

Answer: (D)

Controlling fire hazards in a welding shop hinges on proper housekeeping of combustible materials. Oily shop rags can heat up as the oil oxidizes and may ignite if left exposed near hot work or sparks. Storing those rags in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid confines heat and limits oxygen, greatly reducing the chance of spontaneous ignition or a flash fire. This targeted measure directly prevents a common ignition source specific to welding areas.

Eye protection, welding outside, or restricting welding to trained operators are important safety practices, but they don’t address the specific ignition risk posed by oily rags in the same immediate, preventive way.