When welding, what is the requirement for covering openings in floors and ducts?

The requirement for covering openings in floors and ducts during welding operations is crucial for ensuring fire safety. This practice helps to prevent sparks, slag, or heat generated from the welding process from entering these openings, which could potentially lead to a fire outbreak in concealed spaces.

Covering openings must be done when the welding work is taking place within a specified distance. The correct answer indicates that this requirement applies within 35 feet of the openings. By setting this distance, safety regulations aim to provide a reasonable buffer zone that accounts for the unpredictable nature of sparks and heat during welding.

Adhering to this guideline underscores the importance of maintaining strict safety protocols, as even small sparks can ignite flammable materials that might be present, particularly in industrial settings or construction sites where different materials and storage conditions exist. The 35-foot rule is therefore an essential precaution to mitigate the risk of fire hazards in the vicinity of welding activities.