What fire safety equipment should be kept nearby when welding?

• A. A smoke detector
• B. A first aid kit
• C. A fire blanket
• D. A fire extinguisher nearby

Answer: (D)

When welding, sparks and hot metal can start fires quickly, so you need a tool you can use immediately to suppress flames before they spread. A fire extinguisher nearby provides rapid, active control of a fire, and when it’s properly rated for the types of fires you might encounter (Class ABC or BC, suitable for electrical and flammable-liquid fires), it’s the most versatile and effective option in an emergency. The other items have important safety roles—smoke detectors warn of smoke, a first aid kit helps with injuries after an incident, and a fire blanket can smother small fires—but they don’t offer the quick, broad-fire suppression capability that a properly positioned extinguisher provides, which is crucial during welding.