What is the primary purpose of wearing flame-resistant clothing during welding?

Wearing flame-resistant clothing during welding serves the essential purpose of preventing injuries from sparks and heat, which are significant hazards in welding operations. The intense heat generated by welding creates a risk of burns from molten metal and flying sparks that can ignite regular clothing. Flame-resistant materials are specifically designed to resist ignition and provide a barrier against high temperatures, thus reducing the chances of severe burns and injuries.

While enhancing visibility, complying with company policies, and improving comfort are also important considerations in a work environment, they do not directly address the primary safety concern during welding. The focus on protection against heat and sparks is crucial, as the nature of welding introduces these specific risks that flame-resistant clothing effectively mitigates.