When breaking bolts on a flange, which direction should you position your body?

Positioning your body away from the flange when breaking bolts is crucial for safety reasons. This technique minimizes the risk of injury from potential flying debris or sudden movement of the flange or bolts during the breaking process. If a bolt fails or if tools slip, being positioned away allows for a greater distance from potential hazards, reducing the likelihood of contact with any ejected materials or tools.

Additionally, positioning yourself in this way helps maintain a more stable stance, allowing for better leverage and control over the task at hand. Keeping a safe distance can also aid in maintaining a clear line of sight on what you are working on, improving overall situational awareness.

As for the other options, being positioned toward the flange can expose you to risks associated with sudden failures, while being directly above or at a right angle may not provide adequate protection from the directional force that could be generated by the breaking of bolts.