Which statement is correct regarding storage areas?

• A. They must have an NFPA marking system placard within 6' of the storage entrance
• B. Hazardous materials storage requires a metal fence at 6' high around the containers
• C. Welding or cutting operations can occur no closer than 10' from the designated storage areas
• D. Cardboard and packing materials must be kept separate from sources of ignition

Answer: (D)

Keeping storage areas free of unnecessary combustibles and away from ignition sources is essential for fire safety. Cardboard and packing materials are highly flammable fuel sources; when they are stored near heat, sparks, open flames, or other ignition sources, a small spark or hot surface can ignite a quick, spreading fire. The safe approach is to keep these materials separated from ignition sources and to store them in designated, appropriate containers or locations, away from electrical equipment, hot work zones, and similar risks. This housekeeping principle helps limit fuel in the area and reduces the chance of ignition turning into a larger incident. The other statements describe measures that aren’t universally required or are situational, whereas separating combustibles from ignition sources is a consistently emphasized practice in storage safety.