What should be done with any oily rags, paint, solvents, or other combustible materials stored in the vicinity of a planned hot work site, even if they are not in the direct line of sparks?

A. Combustible material storage is not part of hot work site preparation

B. Remove them from the area entirely before work begins, as part of the site preparation — proximity alone, even without a direct spark path, raises the fire risk through heat and ambient ignition sources

C. They can remain if covered loosely with a tarpaulin

D. Only items directly underneath the work point need to be moved

A. Any task lasting longer than 30 minutes

B. Only welding using electric arc equipment

C. Any work involving an open flame, welding, burning, grinding, or any process that produces sufficient heat or sparks to act as a source of ignition for flammable materials, gases, or vapours

D. Only work carried out inside a cargo tank

A. A clear radius of at least 10 metres (or as defined by the risk assessment for the specific task and materials), with all combustibles removed or adequately shielded

B. No clearance is needed if a fire extinguisher is present

C. Clearance is only relevant for work carried out in an engine room

D. 1 metre is always sufficient regardless of the work type