What type of fire protection is needed during cutting, welding, or soldering operations?

During cutting, welding, or soldering operations, it is essential to have proper fire protection measures in place due to the risk of igniting flammable materials. The recommended standard includes having at least one portable fire extinguisher or 240 pounds of rock dust readily available. This is important because these operations generate sparks and heat that can easily ignite combustible materials nearby, leading to potential fire hazards.

A portable fire extinguisher provides immediate access to firefighting equipment, enabling quick action to suppress any fire that may occur. Alternatively, using rock dust can smother flames by depriving them of oxygen when applied to a fire. This combination of having an extinguisher or rock dust ensures that there are adequate means to control or extinguish a fire, thus enhancing safety during such operations.

While other options like fire hoses and fire blankets can be useful in certain situations, the specific requirements for cutting, welding, or soldering clearly highlight the critical need for an accessible portable fire extinguisher or a substantial quantity of rock dust as a primary fire protection measure.