What should be done with combustibles on the other side of non-combustible barriers during welding?

During welding operations, it is essential to ensure the safety of the surrounding area, particularly regarding potential fire hazards. The correct approach is to move combustibles away from the welding area to prevent ignition. This practice addresses the risk posed by sparks, slag, and heat generated during the welding process, which can easily ignite flammable materials.

Keeping combustibles, even those located behind non-combustible barriers, poses a significant risk. Non-combustible barriers may provide some level of protection; however, they do not guarantee that sparks or hot materials won't escape beyond them. Therefore, the safest practice is to eliminate the presence of any combustible materials in the vicinity of welding activities.

Options that suggest leaving combustibles in place, whether out of sight or marked with warning signs, do not adequately mitigate the risk of fire during welding operations. Ignoring the presence of combustibles because of existing barriers also fails to recognize the potential hazards involved. Therefore, the safest and most responsible action is to move combustibles completely out of the welding area to prevent any ignition scenarios.