What is considered an inappropriate action during thermite welding preparation?

In the context of thermite welding preparation, notching ties is considered an inappropriate action. Notching can compromise the integrity of the material being welded and may lead to weaknesses in the welded joint. Proper preparation is crucial to ensure the strength and reliability of the weld, and actions like notching can introduce stress concentrations or create areas that are prone to failure.

In contrast, passing a rules examination is a vital step in ensuring that all safety and procedural guidelines are understood and followed. Grounding down defects is an essential preparation activity that helps ensure a clean and sound weld, as it removes imperfections that may affect the weld quality. Measuring torch height is also important, as it ensures that the welding process is carried out at the correct parameters for optimal results. These actions contribute positively to the overall effectiveness and safety of the thermite welding process, whereas notching ties is detrimental to weld integrity.