What should be kept free of oil and grease during welding and cutting operations?

Keeping oxygen containers free of oil and grease during welding and cutting operations is critical for safety reasons. Oxygen is a highly reactive gas; when it comes into contact with oil or grease, it can initiate a fire or explosion. This is because the presence of oil or grease serves as a fuel that can ignite in an oxygen-rich environment, leading to potentially catastrophic events. Therefore, it is vital to handle oxygen containers with care, ensuring they are clean and free from any combustible materials.

The other items listed, while they may also require maintenance, do not pose the same level of risk when it comes to contact with oil and grease. For example, welding shields and cutter tools can be maintained with some residual oil for their operating efficiency, and wrenches are tools that may be lubricated for easier use but do not have the explosive hazards associated with oxygen.