What is a key fire-prevention measure when welding near flammable materials?

• A. Have a charged fire extinguisher and a fire watch.
• B. Keep combustibles directly adjacent to the work area.
• C. Work without any permit when staying short.
• D. Disable ventilation to avoid drawing flames.

Answer: (A)

Preventing a fire during welding near flammable materials hinges on being able to stop sparks quickly and monitor for ignition. Having a charged fire extinguisher ready allows immediate suppression of any small flames, while a fire watch keeps someone actively monitoring the area during welding and for a period after, ready to address embers that could start a fire later. This combination directly reduces both the chance of a fire starting and the ability for one to grow, which is why it’s the best approach. Other options don’t address the risk effectively: keeping combustibles nearby would fuel any fire; skipping required permits bypasses essential safety review; turning off ventilation can trap heat and fumes and does not prevent ignition.