In an area where empty drums that held flammable or hazardous product are being welded or cut, which practice is not allowed?

In an area where empty drums that held flammable or hazardous product are being welded or cut, which practice is not allowed?

• A. Inspection & cleaning for cutting
• B. Boring hole in tank to relieve heat pressure
• C. Oxygen used for cooling barrels and blowing dust from clothing
• D. A fire extinguisher nearby and ready to use

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is to prevent ignition during hot work on drums that may still harbor flammable or hazardous residues. Using an oxygen-rich environment around the work area is dangerous because oxygen supports combustion. Any remaining flammable vapors or even fine dust from residues can ignite more readily, and a stream of oxygen can feed a fire or cause a small flame to flare up dramatically. That’s why using oxygen to cool barrels or to blow dust from clothing is not allowed. Safe alternatives rely on non-oxidizing cooling methods (like water or other appropriate cooling) and proper ventilation or inert purge, along with prep steps such as inspecting and cleaning the drum to remove as much residue as possible and having a fire extinguisher ready. The other items reflect these safer practices: thorough inspection and cleaning reduce hazards, and having fire protection in place is standard.

The main idea here is to prevent ignition during hot work on drums that may still harbor flammable or hazardous residues. Using an oxygen-rich environment around the work area is dangerous because oxygen supports combustion. Any remaining flammable vapors or even fine dust from residues can ignite more readily, and a stream of oxygen can feed a fire or cause a small flame to flare up dramatically. That’s why using oxygen to cool barrels or to blow dust from clothing is not allowed. Safe alternatives rely on non-oxidizing cooling methods (like water or other appropriate cooling) and proper ventilation or inert purge, along with prep steps such as inspecting and cleaning the drum to remove as much residue as possible and having a fire extinguisher ready. The other items reflect these safer practices: thorough inspection and cleaning reduce hazards, and having fire protection in place is standard.