What precaution should be taken to prevent sparks from igniting other spaces during welding?

The correct measure to take in order to prevent sparks from igniting other areas during welding is to cover cracks or openings in floors and walls. This is vital because welding produces sparks that can easily travel through these openings and lead to fires in adjacent spaces or areas that are not adequately safeguarded. By sealing off these potential pathways, the risk of sparks escaping into other areas is significantly reduced.

In addition, covering cracks and openings helps contain any potential fire hazards that may arise within the immediate welding environment. This action complements other safety measures but specifically targets the prevention of spark migration.

Utilizing a fire blanket is beneficial for protecting specific surfaces or items nearby from heat and sparks, but it does not address the potential escape of sparks through openings in the structure. While ensuring all exits are open is important for emergency escape routes, it does not directly minimize the risk of sparks igniting other spaces. Keeping a water source nearby is indeed a good safety measure, as it provides a means to extinguish flames quickly, but it does not prevent the sparks from traveling in the first place.