OSHA Welding, Cutting, and Brazing Checklist

Are only authorized and trained workers permitted to use welding, cutting, and brazing equipment?

Does each worker have a copy of, and follow the appropriate operating instructions?

Are only approved apparatuses (torches, regulators, pressure-reducing valves, acetylene generators, manifolds, etc.) used?

Are precautions taken to prevent the mixture of air or oxygen with flammable gases, except at a burner or in a standard torch?

Are fuel gas and oxygen gas cylinders, cylinder valves, couplings, regulators, hoses, and apparatuses kept free of oily or greasy substances?

Are cylinders stored in assigned locations away from sources of heat, elevators, stairs, and gangways?

Are fuel gas cylinders and oxygen cylinders in storage separated by a distance of at least 20 feet, or by a non-combustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5m) high, having a fire-resistance rating of at least 30 minutes?

Are regulators removed and valve-protection caps put in place before moving cylinders, unless they are secured on special trucks?

Are workers trained to never crack open a fuel gas cylinder valve near sources of ignition?

Before a regulator is removed, is the valve closed and gas released?

Is red used to identify the acetylene (and other fuel-gas) hose, green used for the oxygen hose, and black used for inert gas and air hoses?

Are pressure-reducing regulators used only for the gas and pressures for which they are intended?

Is the open circuit (no-load) voltage of arc welding and cutting machines as low as possible and not in excess of the recommended limits?

Is the grounding of the machine frame and safety ground connections of portable machines checked periodically?

Are electrodes removed from holders when not in use?

Is the electric power to the welder shut off when no one is in attendance?

Do workers not coil or loop welding electrode cables around their bodies?

Under wet conditions, are automatic controls for reducing no-load voltage used?

Are wet machines thoroughly dried and tested before use?

Are work and electrode lead cables frequently inspected for wear and damage, and replaced when needed?

Are cable connectors adequately insulated?

Are floors swept clean and combustible floors kept wet, covered with damp sand, or protected by fire-resistant shields?

When the object to be welded cannot be moved and fire hazards cannot be removed, are shields used to confine heat, sparks, and slag?

Are precautions taken to protect combustibles on the other side of metal walls when welding is underway?

Are fire watchers assigned when welding or cutting is performed in locations where a fire might develop?

Is suitable fire extinguishing equipment available for immediate use?

Are used drums, barrels, tanks, and other containers thoroughly cleaned of substances that could explode, ignite, or produce toxic vapors, before hot work begins?

Is adequate ventilation provided in areas where welding or cutting is performed?

Are oxygen cylinders in storage separated from fuel gas cylinders?

In areas where fuel gases are used or stored, are signs posted that read DANGER, NO SMOKING, MATCHES, OR OPEN LIGHTS, or the equivalent?

Are workers exposed to arc welding rays and other hazards created by welding, cutting, or brazing operations protected with PPE and protective clothing?

Is PPE appropriate for the work being performed?