What must be done to hollow spaces or containers before cutting or welding?

Before cutting or welding hollow spaces or containers, it is crucial to vent and purge them to eliminate dangerous gases. This practice is essential because enclosed spaces can accumulate flammable or toxic gases, which pose significant safety hazards during these operations. Purging the container with an inert gas or ventilating it helps to ensure that any potentially explosive or harmful gases are effectively removed, thereby reducing the risk of fire or explosion during the welding or cutting process.

Creating a safe working environment is paramount, and this step significantly contributes to the overall safety protocols in welding and cutting practices. The options that suggest filling the space with water, leaving it open, or sealing it tightly do not adequately address the presence of hazardous gases and could lead to serious accidents if proper measures are not taken.