Which activity may require a permit?

• A. Use of a fire extinguisher
• B. Welding or hot work
• C. Use of any machinery
• D. Loading docks

Answer: (B)

This question tests when a permit is needed for tasks that create heat, flames, or sparks. Welding or hot work is a classic example that often requires a permit-to-work because it can quickly ignite nearby combustibles. The permit process pauses the job to enforce safety controls: clearing or protecting flammable materials, securing fuel gases, setting up a fire watch, having fire extinguishers ready, ensuring proper ventilation, and confirming supervision before work starts and for a period after it ends. This structured check helps prevent fires and injuries from the intense heat and sparks welding produces.

Other activities described don’t inherently trigger a permit. Using a fire extinguisher is a routine safety action used to control or suppress fires and doesn’t itself require a permit. Using machinery is common and usually governed by training, machine guarding, and lockout/tagout procedures rather than a general permit-to-work. Loading docks are areas for operations but don’t automatically need a permit unless there’s a specific hazardous task involved.