AWS Welding Inspection and Testing Certification Practice Test

True or False: A butane or propane cigarette lighter is safe around welding equipment if kept in your pocket.

1. True

2. False

3. Safe as long as not in use

4. Only if there is no open flame

The correct answer is: False

The statement is false because butane and propane are flammable gases and present significant safety hazards when used near welding equipment. Welding processes generate high temperatures and can produce sparks, which pose a risk of igniting flammable materials. Keeping a lighter in your pocket while working around welding operations can lead to accidental ignition if exposed to heat or sparks, making it a potential source of fire. Safety protocols in welding environments typically require the removal of all flammable items, including lighters and other combustible materials, to minimize the risk of fire or explosion. Understanding this principle is essential for maintaining safety in welding operations.