Temporary workers and skilled tradespeople face unique dangers on the job. Numerous accidents occur annually in the construction industry, and one common cause is workers’ failure to use or improper use of the available personal protective equipment (PPE). Personal protective equipment (PPE) is gear that helps keep workers safe and healthy while on the job. The goal is safer working conditions for employees when traditional methods like engineering and administrative controls are impractical or ineffective. All sorts of things, from puddles to falling objects, qualify as potential hazards. Protective gear consists of headgear, goggles, high-visibility garments, shoes, harnesses, and sometimes even masks to prevent breathing hazards. Let’s take a look at the advantages of some standard pieces of PPE worn by construction workers:
What makes it dangerous being a welder?
The physical and chemical hazards that welders face necessitate the use of PPE. When working in an environment with potential health risks, employers must make sure their staff is prepared to deal with those risks. A few examples of the more serious risks that welders face are as follows.
Flying particles and flumes
Inhalation of the particles and fumes produced by welding can be harmful. Most welders are exposed to these fluids during machining processes, which is a major cause of respiratory problems in the welding industry. Conditions related to working conditions that are all too common include asthma, pulmonary impairment, chronic bronchitis, and skin burns. Skin contact with flying objects and flumes can be avoided with the use of appropriate safety clothing and equipment, such as Nomex coveralls and masks and gloves.
Chemical exposure
Metalworking fluids and other chemicals are common hazards for welders. Workers need to take safety precautions because these metalworking fluids are extremely hazardous and contaminated. Workers can better protect themselves from potential harm on the job by donning protective clothing like welding coveralls, aprons, and helmets.
Electric shock
As a result of the nature of the equipment used in arc welding, welders must take precautions to avoid electrical shocks. Deathly electric shocks are widely recognised as a serious risk in the workplace. Most often, this danger arises when a worker touches a pair of metals that are both electrically charged. An improved working environment can be the result of a thorough inspection of the workplace for sources of electric shock. Protective gear worn by individuals also contributes to a more secure environment.
Fire and explosions
Since arc welding generates such a great deal of heat, it poses a danger of fire and explosions. However, the real threat comes from the sparks, spatter, and heat produced during the process, not the arc itself. It’s important to rid the office of any flammable materials.
Insufficient PPE
Personal protective equipment is critical for preventing welders from suffering from burns, injuries, and arc radiation exposure. Workers can move around freely while still being protected from welding hazards by donning the appropriate personal protective equipment and safety clothing. Welders should wear Nomex coveralls or flame-resistant cotton clothing. Pay close attention to the manufacturer-provided safety information, procedures, and safety data sheets if you work with potentially hazardous materials. Coveralls, bib pants, gloves, coats, and other protective clothing can be ordered from a manufacturer specifically for your job.
If you are a welder or are thinking about becoming one, it is important to know what kinds of gear are required on the job. In order to ensure your safety on the job, it is often necessary to use PPE. Welding is just another occupation that requires personal protective equipment.
Sparks, burns, spatters, radiation, and electrical shock are only some of the dangers that PPE must guard against. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is not only recommended, but often mandated, by employers in order to comply with OSHA standards.
Why do you need to evaluate PPE needs?
Consultation with an impartial party or expert is a good starting point when evaluating a safety programme. An OSH professional consulted a welding expert on 3M’s PPE Safety Solutions team to help figure out how to best address the identified problems and, more importantly, how to maximise productivity while protecting workers.
The welding expert’s first order of business was to take stock of the potential dangers of the situation. The following were among the things he learned:
- Welders were vulnerable to the toxins released by the welding process and the arc radiation that was created by the welding process.
- Protective goggles or masks should be worn by workers while grinding or cleaning with a wire brush to prevent debris from entering their eyes or faces.
- Various processes, including welding, grinding, and arc gouging, produced a great deal of noise.
- Workers’ respiratory systems and skin were put at risk by urethane foams and isocyanates used in the painting and foaming process.
- Welding, arc gouging, and foaming all contributed to a rise in ambient temperature.
- There were rules and guidelines designed to eradicate or control each of these threats. The on-site OSH expert had been successful in protecting employees from these risks, but he or she also recognised areas for improvement.
Compatibility was the main problem he saw. In the hot and humid conditions, the safety glasses used did not work well with the welding helmet or grinding shields. There was also a high risk of foreign body eye injuries because of the need for workers to switch into different PPE equipment as they moved from welding to grinding tasks.
They required versatile tools that could be used for any job.
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Why is PPE necessary for welders?
There are a number of potential dangers associated with cutting and welding on the job. Among these are things like being exposed to radiation (ultraviolet, blue light, and infrared). However, you could be exposed to a variety of hazardous substances, such as gases and fumes, slag, high temperatures, and more. Since exposure to these dangers can result in serious harm or even death, proper PPE must always be worn. In order to keep yourself safe from head to toe, you should think about and wear a number of different things.
Welding is a dangerous profession that requires constant attention to safety due to the presence of heat, radiation, and ricochet hazards. In light of the seriousness with which we at Arc Welding Services view matters of health and safety, we have decided to begin our “Health & Safety” blog series with an introduction to the fundamentals of personal protective equipment.
Build a PPE System from Head to Toe
All necessary PPE should be evaluated at the same time to guarantee the highest levels of protection, comfort, and fit. Workers wore passive welding helmets, grinding shields, safety glasses, and traditional hardhats with flip-up visors. These were accompanied by masks for the lungs, either disposable or reusable. The welding expert first conducted a trial of products that combined multiple pieces of protective equipment into one. Two powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) systems were compared in order to provide workers with a respiratory system that also included a hard hat, welding and face shield, and optional hearing protection.
When using these PAPR systems, welders also needed to wear protective eyewear and shields. To help cool down hot spots, supplied-air cooling was installed, allowing for fine-tuned temperature control of up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit below ambient.
With this new unified system, workers could raise their welding shields in certain areas without risking exposure, allowing them to work comfortably for longer periods of time by reducing the number of tools they needed to do their jobs. Workers were further able to take advantage of the supplied air hood’s cooling effect by tucking the hood’s inner bib into their coveralls.
Eyes and Face
It is recommended that a person wearing PPE wear a helmet, hand shield, goggles, and safety glasses to protect their eyes and face from harm.
If you’re looking for information on the right filters for your eyes, you’ve come to the right place. The American National Standard Institute’s Practice for Occupation and Educational Eye and Face Protection specifies the minimum acceptable filter shade and other aspects of welding PPE.
Helmets are mandated for the protection of the head, face, and neck. Direct radiant energy and weld splatter can cause serious injury, so this safety gear is essential. Protecting yourself from arc rays and weld sparks requires special equipment, such as a helmet and filter plates. Slag chips, grinding fragments, wire-wheel bristle, etc. can still ricochet under the helmet and injure the welder despite these precautions. Protective eyewear, such as glasses or goggles, is the primary means of warding off impact hazards.
Hearing protection
Noise pollution in the workplace is often underappreciated because it is invisible to the human senses. But every year, 22 million American workers are subjected to potentially dangerous noise levels at work. Nearly eighty-two percent of cases of occupational hearing loss were reported by workers in the manufacturing sector, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Standards for noise levels in the workplace are set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
In order to lessen the likelihood of workers experiencing occupational noise-induced hearing loss, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health suggests limiting noise exposure to 85 dBA for eight hours per day. One can protect their hearing with earplugs or earmuffs. Earmuffs are better at blocking out high-frequency sounds, while earplugs are better at blocking out low-frequency sounds.
Gloves
Welding is a very hands-on process. The ability to concentrate and get work done is greatly aided by flame-resistant, comfortable welding gloves. Securing one’s safety is essential. Working so close to the arc exposes your hands to high temperatures and radiation. Dexterity, however, is just as crucial, and is especially so when TIG welding. Thanks to the wide variety of welding gloves on the market, even female welders can find a pair that fits their needs and their work.
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Welding gloves, both stick and heavy-duty MIG, shield your hands from spatter and heat. Try to find a pair of gloves that is well-constructed, has multiple layers of insulation, and is resistant to fire. Silicone patches are an optional extra on some industrial welding gloves that can protect the wearer’s skin from the heat and spatter.
Leather is commonly used in the construction of standard-duty MIG welding gloves, which require more dexterity and provide less insulation than their heavy-duty counterparts. Lighter and medium-duty MIG gloves are typically unlined, while heavier-duty options have linings. Check out these Miller, Lincoln, and Watson welding gloves if MIG welding is your main focus.
TIG welding gloves are both versatile and long-lasting. TIG gloves are unlined and typically made from a soft, heat-resistant leather such as deer or goat hide to increase dexterity. TIG welders have their own preferences, but everyone agrees that the gloves must be snug so that the electrodes can be easily moved. TIG welding gloves are available in a variety of brands and styles from KMS.
Clothing
Welders should always wear protective gear, including goggles and a face shield, but the type of weld being performed can affect which clothes are best.
It is crucial to wear clothing that provides adequate coverage and is made of materials that can prevent burns from sparks, splatter, and radiation. This necessitates covering up head to toe, which will also protect against UV and infrared flash burns.
Because of the potential for the helmet to reflect light into the wearer’s eyes, it is best to wear dark clothing made of wool, heavy cotton, or leather. As was previously mentioned, the materials are sturdy, lowering the possibility of breakdown or melting. In this regard, it’s crucial that neither the sleeves nor the pockets nor the cuffs of the wearer’s pants be rolled up, as these folds and creases are likely to trap heat and cause burns.
Wearing leather welding gloves with a gauntlet cuff or other flame-resistant gloves is recommended when welding. The insulated interior and gauntlet cuff will shield the welder’s arms from radiation burns.
Foot Protection
Having sturdy boots to keep your feet safe is a must. The boots must conform to either ASTM F2413 or ASTM F2112. Although ANSI Z41 has been officially withdrawn, some businesses continue to use it. Be sure there’s a compliance mark inside the shoe.
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Although footwear is required, leather, high-topped, steel-toed boots are prefered. Plus, they need to be in good condition. Your ankles and feet will be better protected this way.
Make sure you have on fireproof boots if you’ll be working in an area with a lot of slag or sparks. Leather spats, secured around the legs, cover the tops of the boots and prevent sparks from entering the shoes and burning the wearer’s feet.
You can’t have cuffs on your pants because it’s against the rules of compliance. Make sure the pants’ cuffs reach over the tops of your boots to protect your legs from splinters and sparks. Contrarily, you shouldn’t tuck your pants into your shoes.
Don leather work boots that meet or exceed governmental safety standards at all times. Protecting your laces from flying sparks and your metatarsal bone from falling objects are both things you can do with a good pair of welding work boots. The occasional welder on the job could benefit from a pair of leather spats designed to withstand high temperatures. Spats are an affordable alternative to welding boots that provide similar protection from sparks and spatter.
Body Protection
Welding jackets, like other welding safety gear, are only useful if they are made of fire-resistant materials, are the right size, and are actually worn by the welder. Choose a jacket that fits the process and application well and provides ample comfort.
Jackets
These Miller Indura jackets are made from treated flame-resistant cloth, but engineered flame-resistant cloth is also available for light-duty welding applications. Indura jackets are more durable and easier to care for than traditional cotton jackets, and both can protect your skin from the heat without adding bulk.
It’s been common practise for welders to wear leather jackets for generations. In both light and heavy-duty settings, they prove to be exceptionally long-lasting and fireproof. The problem is that you’ll quickly overheat while concealed in so much thick pigskin. Nonetheless, nothing beats leather’s protection and longevity. The most vulnerable parts of the body can be protected by leather panels in some jackets, while fire-resistant cotton is used elsewhere.
Jackets crafted from proprietary flame-resistant fabrics are as light as cotton but as durable as leather. Miller’s WeldX jacket, for instance, is lighter than genuine leather but still repels sparks and spatter. Get in touch with the welding department at your local KMS Tools store to place an order for a specialised welding jacket.
Aprons and Sleeves
A welding apron can provide extra protection for a welder’s legs and chest when worn under a jacket. Wear it with leather sleeves and a flame-resistant shirt for added safety while doing light welding.
Respirators
Metal in the process of melting releases a complex cocktail of gases. Protect your lungs from inhaling any of that hazardous material by donning a respirator. Respirators (and replacement cartridges) from KMS Tools are made to fit under a welder’s helmet and remove the microscopic metal particles that are released into the air during arc welding.
Welding Hats and Beanies
A welding hat is an item of PPE worn by welders that can be customised to reflect the wearer’s sense of style. Some welders prefer hard hats with a soft brim that can be worn over one ear to shield against sparks and slag, while others prefer beanies or bandannas to keep sweat out of their eyes.
The best welding hat will provide both comfort and protection regardless of personal taste in fashion. Pick one that fits comfortably under your welding or hard hat; remember that thicker cotton offers more padding but can get hot during the day.
The Danger of the Welding Process
When working with high temperatures and potentially hazardous materials, safety must always be prioritised. Despite the fact that burns account for the vast majority of injuries sustained during arc welding, other risks include exposure to radiation and electric shock. Do not attempt welding, no matter how skilled you are, unless you have received training and are using safe tools.
What is the importance of safety gear for welding?
Workers in the welding industry face danger on the job on a consistent basis. Welding equipment, even when used on a daily basis, emits hazardous heat, sparks, metal, and fumes. The average day for a welder includes several hours of exposure to these dangers. The best safety equipment can make all the difference. This requires determining which safety measures are necessary for each task. The best quality, most practical, and most comfortable protective gear should be used.
In any workplace, it is crucial to follow all necessary safety measures. Naturally, the onus lies initially with each employee. However, both contractors and their clients have an ethical and legal responsibility to ensure that workers are protected by taking the necessary safety measures.
Knowing potential hazards and making contingency plans are essential for safe welding. Electric shock, poisonous gas inhalation, eye damage, and skin or flesh burns are all possible outcomes. At the outset, welders are obligated to take the necessary safety precautions by donning protective gear like helmets and face shields before beginning any welding task.
The electric arc used in arc welding is an extremely bright source of light that can reach into the visible, ultraviolet, and infrared spectrums. Safety goggles and a hand shield or helmet with appropriate filter glass are required for use during all-electric welding processes due to the high levels of ultraviolet and infrared radiation present. Screening the area around electric welding processes is necessary to prevent onlookers from seeing the arc either directly or through reflected light from glass or metal.
Safety goggles are required for all oxy acetylene welding and cutting processes to protect the operator’s eyes from the intense heat, glare, and shards of metal.
Maintain all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for potentially harmful substances. All products come with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) that detail potential dangers and whether or not a respirator is required for use.
There are many factors to think about when welding. Important safety gear that must be worn includes the following. You could get hurt or burned if you didn’t have them on. While it’s likely that your employer will provide the necessary PPE, it’s still smart to familiarise yourself with OSHA standards and regulations to ensure that you’re always wearing the appropriate gear.
Use of, and compliance with, PPE guidelines help keep workers safe. Refusing to use protective gear that could prevent serious injury or death is extremely risky. Results Unless otherwise specified, staffing agencies always supply their employees with all mandatory PPE. It’s always a good idea to double-check with temporary staffing agencies to make sure they have the proper personal protective equipment. Knowing how to use these various safety equipment can help you avoid potentially serious harm.
Conclusion
Workplace safety and health can be greatly improved by using PPE, or personal protective equipment. Headwear, goggles, high-visibility clothing, shoes, harnesses, and even masks to prevent breathing hazards are all part of the gear. Welders need to wear protective gear because of the physical and chemical hazards they face on the job. In addition to the obvious risks posed by fire and explosions, other hazards include flying debris and flumes, metalworking fluids and other chemicals, electric shock, and heat and flames. Personal protective equipment also plays a role in making a community safer.
Sparks, spatter, and heat from arc welding pose a greater risk of fire and explosions than the actual welding itself does. As a result of the high risk of burns, injuries, and arc radiation exposure, personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for welders. Welders are susceptible to toxins released during the welding process and the arc radiation that is created, according to an assessment conducted by an occupational safety and health (OSH) professional who consulted a welding expert. Workers should wear protective goggles or masks when using a wire brush or grinder to keep debris out of their eyes and faces, and urethane foams and isocyan compounds can irritate the respiratory system and skin.
Due to the presence of heat, radiation, and ricochet hazards, welding is a dangerous profession that requires constant attention to safety. Welders must always wear their PPE because of the hazards that can arise from cutting and welding on the job. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be tested simultaneously to ensure the best possible levels of safety, convenience, and proper fit. To provide workers with a respiratory system that also includes a hard hat, welding and face shield, and optional hearing protection, two powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) systems were compared. Supply-air cooling was put in place to help cool down particularly toasty areas.
Workers were able to work for longer periods of time with greater comfort thanks to the new unified system of welding personal protective equipment. When it comes to eye and face protection, PPE advocates the use of a hard hat, a hand shield, goggles, and safety glasses. Unfortunately, 22 million American workers are exposed to potentially harmful noise levels every day, despite the fact that noise pollution in the workplace is often underappreciated. Workplace noise levels are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and high-frequency sounds are more effectively muffled by earplugs or earmuffs. Protecting one’s hands with welding gloves is crucial, as spatter and heat can cause serious injury without them.
Standard-duty MIG welding gloves are typically constructed from leather, while heavier-duty options have linings. TIG welding gloves are built to last and are constructed from heat-resistant leathers like deer or goat hide that are supple and flexible to maximise the welder’s feel and control. Goggles and a face shield are essential pieces of protective equipment, and clothing should cover all exposed skin and be made of materials that can withstand sparks, splatter, and radiation without causing burns. When welding, it’s best to wear leather gloves with a gauntlet cuff or other flame-resistant gloves. Steel-toed leather work boots that meet the standards of ASTM F2413 or F2112 are required.
Covering the tops of the boots to keep sparks from entering and burning the wearer’s feet are leather spats, which are secured around the legs. For welding jackets to be effective, they must be made of fire-resistant materials, the correct size, and worn by the welder at all times. The treated flame-resistant cloth used to make these Miller Indura jackets makes them last longer and require less maintenance than cotton jackets. The text focuses primarily on welding protective clothing and equipment, including leather jackets, aprons, respirators, welding caps, beanies, and bandannas. Unlike cotton, leather lasts a long time and can’t catch fire, while fire-resistant cotton is used in other places.
The welder’s legs and chest are given added protection by the apron and sleeves worn underneath the jacket. Metal dust is released into the air during arc welding, and respirators are designed to trap and filter out these particles. The individuality of the wearer can be displayed through the modification of welding hats and beanies. In contrast to thicker cotton, which provides more padding but can get hot during the day, the best welding hat will provide comfort as well as protection. When dealing with high temperatures or potentially dangerous substances, safety must always come first.
The average welder spends several hours per day in the presence of potentially harmful heat, sparks, metal, and fumes produced by welding equipment. Welders have a responsibility to educate themselves on the potential risks of a welding project and develop mitigation strategies before beginning work. Due to the high levels of ultraviolet and infrared radiation, safety goggles and a hand shield or helmet with appropriate filter glass are required for all-electric welding processes. Safety glasses must be worn during all oxy-acetylene welding and cutting processes, and screening the area around electric welding processes is necessary to prevent onlookers from seeing the arc. If you want to stay in compliance with OSHA rules, you need to study up on what safety gear is required for different scenarios. Learning how to properly use all of the available safety gear is essential for keeping yourself safe from harm.
Content Summary
- Numerous accidents occur annually in the construction industry, and one common cause is workers’ failure to use or improper use of the available personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) is gear that helps keep workers safe and healthy while on the job.
- A few examples of the more serious risks that welders face are as follows.
- Insufficient PPEPersonal protective equipment is critical for preventing welders from suffering from burns, injuries, and arc radiation exposure.
- Workers can move around freely while still being protected from welding hazards by donning the appropriate personal protective equipment and safety clothing.
- In order to ensure your safety on the job, it is often necessary to use PPE.
- Welding is just another occupation that requires personal protective equipment.
- The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is not only recommended, but often mandated, by employers in order to comply with OSHA standards.
- There was also a high risk of foreign body eye injuries because of the need for workers to switch into different PPE equipment as they moved from welding to grinding tasks.
- Since exposure to these dangers can result in serious harm or even death, proper PPE must always be worn.
- Welding is a dangerous profession that requires constant attention to safety due to the presence of heat, radiation, and ricochet hazards.
- In light of the seriousness with which we at Arc Welding Services view matters of health and safety, we have decided to begin our “Health & Safety” blog series with an introduction to the fundamentals of personal protective equipment.
- All necessary PPE should be evaluated at the same time to guarantee the highest levels of protection, comfort, and fit.
- Eyes and FaceIt is recommended that a person wearing PPE wear a helmet, hand shield, goggles, and safety glasses to protect their eyes and face from harm.
- Nearly eighty-two percent of cases of occupational hearing loss were reported by workers in the manufacturing sector, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
- One can protect their hearing with earplugs or earmuffs.
- Thanks to the wide variety of welding gloves on the market, even female welders can find a pair that fits their needs and their work.
- TIG welding gloves are both versatile and long-lasting.
- Wearing leather welding gloves with a gauntlet cuff or other flame-resistant gloves is recommended when welding.
- Having sturdy boots to keep your feet safe is a must.
- Don leather work boots that meet or exceed governmental safety standards at all times.
- Protecting your laces from flying sparks and your metatarsal bone from falling objects are both things you can do with a good pair of welding work boots.
- Choose a jacket that fits the process and application well and provides ample comfort.
- It’s been common practise for welders to wear leather jackets for generations.
- Get in touch with the welding department at your local KMS Tools store to place an order for a specialised welding jacket.
- A welding apron can provide extra protection for a welder’s legs and chest when worn under a jacket.
- Wear it with leather sleeves and a flame-resistant shirt for added safety while doing light welding.
- The best welding hat will provide both comfort and protection regardless of personal taste in fashion.
- Workers in the welding industry face danger on the job on a consistent basis.
- The best safety equipment can make all the difference.
- This requires determining which safety measures are necessary for each task.
- In any workplace, it is crucial to follow all necessary safety measures.
- Knowing potential hazards and making contingency plans are essential for safe welding.
- At the outset, welders are obligated to take the necessary safety precautions by donning protective gear like helmets and face shields before beginning any welding task.
- Screening the area around electric welding processes is necessary to prevent onlookers from seeing the arc either directly or through reflected light from glass or metal.
- There are many factors to think about when welding.
- Important safety gear that must be worn includes the following.
- While it’s likely that your employer will provide the necessary PPE, it’s still smart to familiarise yourself with OSHA standards and regulations to ensure that you’re always wearing the appropriate gear.
- Use of, and compliance with, PPE guidelines help keep workers safe.
- Refusing to use protective gear that could prevent serious injury or death is extremely risky.
- It’s always a good idea to double-check with temporary staffing agencies to make sure they have the proper personal protective equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PPE required for SMAW welding?
It is highly recommended that a filter mask or a ½-mask respirator be worn for welding and grinding. FCAW, SMAW and grinding are processes that produce fumes and particulates. Nuisance filter masks, type N95 with charcoal, are recommended as minimum protection.
Why do we need PPE during welding?
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is important for welders because there are hazards when welding, cutting, and brazing. These hazards can include exposure to metal fumes and UV radiation, burns, shocks, cuts, and broken toes.
What is PPE for welding and its uses?
Wear long-sleeved shirts with buttoned cuffs and a collar to protect the neck. Dark colours prevent light reflection. Tape shirt pockets closed to avoid collecting sparks or hot metal, or keep them covered with flaps. Pant legs must not have cuffs and must cover the tops of the boots.
What would happen if the welder did not use PPE during welding work?
Welding and cutting can produce hazards such as sparks, spatter, radiation (infrared, ultraviolet, and blue light), slag, heat, hot metal, fumes and gases, and even electric shock. Since these hazards may cause burns, injury, or death, it is important to wear proper PPE at all times.
What is required PPE when welding?
Eye, face, hand/arm, head and body protection (leather gloves, leather apron, gauntlets, safety glasses with side shields, welders helmet or welders goggles) are required that are appropriate to the potential hazards encountered during welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, grinding or other spark-producing operations.
