What type of shields must be provided if welding cylinders cannot be placed far enough away from the welding operation?

When welding operations are conducted, safety is a paramount concern, especially regarding the handling and storage of welding cylinders. If welding cylinders cannot be positioned at a safe distance from the welding operation, fire retardant shields must be utilized.

Fire retardant shields provide a necessary barrier that helps prevent sparks, heat, or molten metal produced during welding from igniting the cylinders. These shields are specifically designed to resist flames and serve to protect not just the cylinders themselves, but also the surrounding area from potential fire hazards.

The other options, while they may have protective qualities, do not specifically address the requirement for shielding that is resistant to fire. For example, metal shields might provide physical protection but do not necessarily inhibit heat transfer effectively in the same way that fire retardant shields do. Glass can offer visibility but lacks the necessary fire resistance. Fire resistant materials may contribute to safety, but fire retardant materials are specifically designed to endure extreme heat situations more effectively. This makes fire retardant shields the best option when welding near cylinders.