What safety measure should be in place when conducting welding operations?

Proper ventilation is a crucial safety measure when conducting welding operations because welding often produces harmful fumes and gases that can be detrimental to health. Adequate ventilation helps to dilute and remove these potentially toxic substances from the work environment, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and other health hazards for the welder and nearby workers.

While protective goggles are essential for protecting the eyes from bright arcs and splatter, they do not address the need for air quality management, which is critical for ensuring a safe working environment during welding operations. Disconnecting power sources is also important for preventing accidental electric shocks, but it does not mitigate the risks associated with exposure to harmful fumes. Regular equipment checks ensure that the tools are functioning correctly but do not focus specifically on the atmospheric conditions that ventilation addresses. Therefore, ensuring proper ventilation is the most comprehensive safety measure in this context.