OSHA Welding Safety Checklist

Use the OSHA Welding Safety Checklist to uphold safety standards during welding activities by examining key aspects from protective gear to ventilation systems.

OSHA Welding Safety Checklist



Compressed Gas Cylinders: Storage, Installation, & Operation

1. Are the cylinders marked with the chemical or trade name of their gas contents?


Photo Comment

2. Are the cylinders stored indoors in a well-ventilated and dry area, maintaining a minimum distance of 20 feet from any flammable material?


Photo Comment

3. Is it ensured that cylinders aren't stored, used, or taken into enclosed spaces?


Photo Comment

4. Cylinders are stored away from all heat sources?


Photo Comment

5. Are stored cylinders secured by a chain, truck, or other steadying device?


Photo Comment

6. Are the cylinders kept in an upright position, except when they are being moved or carried?


Photo Comment

7. Is it advised that cylinders are never opened or valves cracked near possible ignition sources?


Photo Comment

8. Are cylinders kept away from sparks, slag, flame, and other possible ignition sources? If not, are fire-resistant shields used?


Photo Comment

9. Are cylinders positioned to ensure they are not part of an electrical circuit?


Photo Comment

10. Are the valves of empty cylinders kept closed?


Photo Comment

11. Are the valves kept closed whenever cylinders are not in use?


Photo Comment

12. Are the valve protection caps in place and hand-tight if the cylinder is not in use?


Photo Comment

13. Are valve caps in place and regulators removed whenever cylinders are moved?


Photo Comment

14. Are valve caps excluded from use when lifting cylinders?


Photo Comment

15. Is the valve end of acetylene cylinders stored facing upward?


Photo Comment

16. Are oxygen cylinders stored separately from fuel-gas cylinders and combustible materials, either by a distance of 20 feet or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet high with at least a half-hour fire resistance?


Photo Comment

17. Is the total capacity of cylinders in storage (not in use) limited to 2000 cubic feet or 300 pounds of liquefied petroleum gas?


Photo Comment

18. Are cylinders, valves, couplings, regulators, hoses, and apparatus kept clean and free from residue?


Photo Comment

19. Are precautions taken to prevent the mixture of air or oxygen with flammable gases?


Photo Comment

20. Are cylinders regularly examined for signs of defect, rusting, or leakage?


Photo Comment

21. Are cylinders prevented from being dropped or struck violently?


Photo Comment

22. Are cylinders ever used as rollers or supports?


Photo Comment

23. Is flashback protection provided through an approved device that prevents the passage of flame into gas systems?


Photo Comment

24. Are pressure regulators used exclusively for the gasses and pressures for which they are intended?


Photo Comment

25. Are pressure regulators, including union nuts and connections, thoroughly inspected before each use?


Photo Comment

26. Are the regulator gauges marked with "USE NO OIL"?


Photo Comment

27. Are oxygen and fuel-gas hoses interchangeable?


Photo Comment

28. Are hoses with more than one passage prohibited from being used?


Photo Comment

29. Are torches lit exclusively using friction lighters or other approved devices?


Photo Comment

30. Are warning signs indicating "Danger – No Smoking, Matches, or Open Lights" posted?


Photo Comment
Arc-Welding Machines: Installation, Operation, & Maintenance

1. Do all arc-welding machines and equipment comply with Requirements for Electric Arc-Welding Apparatus (NEMA EW-1-1962) and/or Safety Standards for Transformer-Type Arc-Welding Machines?


Photo Comment

2. Are arc-welding machines and equipment designed and constructed to operate under anticipated environmental conditions such as humidity, weather, vapors, etc.?


Photo Comment

3. Are arc-welding machine frames and cases electrically grounded?


Photo Comment

4. Are lead terminals protected from contact?


Photo Comment

5. Are manual electrodes specifically designed for arc welding and cutting?


Photo Comment

6. Can electrode holders safely handle the required maximum rated current?


Photo Comment

7. Are the outer surfaces of the jaws and all current-carrying parts of the electrode holder fully insulated against the maximum voltage to the ground?


Photo Comment

8. Do ground return cables have a safe current-carrying capacity equal to or greater than the maximum output capacity of the equipment it serves?


Photo Comment

9. Are all grounding connections mechanically strong and electrically adequate for the required current?


Photo Comment

10. Are cables free from repair or splices for a minimum of 10 feet from the connected end?NOTE: Cables with standard insulated connectors or with splices whose insulation equals the cable are permitted


Photo Comment

11. Are damaged cables not used?


Photo Comment

12. Is there a disconnect switch with overcurrent protection located near each arc-welding machine that does not have its switch?


Photo Comment

13. Is a disconnect switch with overcurrent protection provided for every outlet used with a welding machine?


Photo Comment

14. Is control apparatus enclosed on all types of arc-welding machines?


Photo Comment

15. Are portable control devices connected to an AC circuit no higher than 120V?


Photo Comment

16. Are proper shut-down switches provided?


Photo Comment

17. Are only authorized personnel allowed to use and handle arc welding equipment?


Photo Comment

18. Do authorized users have a copy of the applicable manufacturer's operating instructions?


Photo Comment

19. Are the manufacturer's operating instructions printed and strictly followed?


Photo Comment

20. Are authorized users required to report all defects or safety hazards immediately and discontinue work until safety is confirmed?


Photo Comment

21. Are the machines, cables, hoses, torches, wires, electrodes, cylinders, connections, and all related apparatus thoroughly inspected before any operation?


Photo Comment

22. Is welding cable spread out and made free of kinks before each use to avoid overheating and insulation damage?


Photo Comment

23. Are arc welding machines repaired only by qualified personnel?


Photo Comment

24. Are damaged cables replaced before each use? Is it permitted by the construction standard to repair with rubber or friction tape, provided there is sufficient insulation?


Photo Comment

25. Are arc-welding and cutting operations performed using noncombustible or flame-proof screens?


Photo Comment

26. Are welding, cutting, and heating performed only in authorized areas?


Photo Comment

27. Do welding, cutting, and heating operations involving toxic substances comply with the standards in?


Photo Comment

28. Are damaged hoses replaced before each use?


Photo Comment

29. Are pressure regulator repairs conducted only by qualified mechanics?


Photo Comment

30. When the equipment is not in use: a)are electrodes removed from holders? b) are holders stored to avoid contact with conductive materials? c) is the equipment disconnected from all power sources?


Photo Comment
Personal Protective Equipment

1. Are protective goggles or face shields worn at all times when working with corrosive materials, working near flying particles, or in any circumstance where there could be a risk of eye injury?


Photo Comment

2. Are all personnel exposed to hazards created by welding, cutting, or brazing protected by personal protective equipment as required?


Photo Comment

3. Are helmets, hand shields, and goggles worn at all times during all welding and cutting operations?


Photo Comment

4. Is anyone exposed to radiation suitably protected?


Photo Comment

5. Are all personnel protected against toxic preservative coatings as prescribed?


Photo Comment
General Housekeeping & Safety

1. Are the aisles marked?


Photo Comment

2. Is the proper aisle width well maintained?


Photo Comment

3. Are the aisles in good condition and free from any obstructions?


Photo Comment

4. Are the workspaces kept clean and free from any obstructions?


Photo Comment

5. Are the fire extinguishers kept in readiness in easily accessible locations?


Photo Comment

6. Are the fire blanket blankets kept in readiness in easily accessible locations?


Photo Comment

7. Is the emergency eyewash available and in operable condition?


Photo Comment

8. Is the first aid kit available with valid products inside?


Photo Comment

9. Are passageways, aisles, ladders, and steps maintained clear of obstacles?


Photo Comment

10. Are cables and cords cleared from aisles, passageways, ladders, and steps?


Photo Comment

11. Do the local exhaust hoods or booths ensure an airflow of 100 linear feet per minute?


Photo Comment

12. Is mechanical ventilation at a rate of 2000 cubic feet per minute per welder necessary under the following conditions: • When there is less than 10,000 cubic feet of space per welder? • When the ceiling height is less than 16 feet? • When natural cross-ventilation is obstructed?


Photo Comment

13. Is the mechanical ventilation present, functional, and in use?


Photo Comment

14. Is mechanical ventilation required in this work area?


Photo Comment
Compressed Gas Cylinders: Storage, Installation, & Operation

1. Are the cylinders marked with the chemical or trade name of their gas contents?


Photo Comment

2. Are the cylinders stored indoors in a well-ventilated and dry area, maintaining a minimum distance of 20 feet from any flammable material?


Photo Comment

3. Is it ensured that cylinders aren't stored, used, or taken into enclosed spaces?


Photo Comment

4. Cylinders are stored away from all heat sources?


Photo Comment

5. Are stored cylinders secured by a chain, truck, or other steadying device?


Photo Comment

6. Are the cylinders kept in an upright position, except when they are being moved or carried?


Photo Comment

7. Is it advised that cylinders are never opened or valves cracked near possible ignition sources?


Photo Comment

8. Are cylinders kept away from sparks, slag, flame, and other possible ignition sources? If not, are fire-resistant shields used?


Photo Comment

9. Are cylinders positioned to ensure they are not part of an electrical circuit?


Photo Comment

10. Are the valves of empty cylinders kept closed?


Photo Comment

11. Are the valves kept closed whenever cylinders are not in use?


Photo Comment

12. Are the valve protection caps in place and hand-tight if the cylinder is not in use?


Photo Comment

13. Are valve caps in place and regulators removed whenever cylinders are moved?


Photo Comment

14. Are valve caps excluded from use when lifting cylinders?


Photo Comment

15. Is the valve end of acetylene cylinders stored facing upward?


Photo Comment

16. Are oxygen cylinders stored separately from fuel-gas cylinders and combustible materials, either by a distance of 20 feet or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet high with at least a half-hour fire resistance?


Photo Comment

17. Is the total capacity of cylinders in storage (not in use) limited to 2000 cubic feet or 300 pounds of liquefied petroleum gas?


Photo Comment

18. Are cylinders, valves, couplings, regulators, hoses, and apparatus kept clean and free from residue?


Photo Comment

19. Are precautions taken to prevent the mixture of air or oxygen with flammable gases?


Photo Comment

20. Are cylinders regularly examined for signs of defect, rusting, or leakage?


Photo Comment

21. Are cylinders prevented from being dropped or struck violently?


Photo Comment

22. Are cylinders ever used as rollers or supports?


Photo Comment

23. Is flashback protection provided through an approved device that prevents the passage of flame into gas systems?


Photo Comment

24. Are pressure regulators used exclusively for the gasses and pressures for which they are intended?


Photo Comment

25. Are pressure regulators, including union nuts and connections, thoroughly inspected before each use?


Photo Comment

26. Are the regulator gauges marked with "USE NO OIL"?


Photo Comment

27. Are oxygen and fuel-gas hoses interchangeable?


Photo Comment

28. Are hoses with more than one passage prohibited from being used?


Photo Comment

29. Are torches lit exclusively using friction lighters or other approved devices?


Photo Comment

30. Are warning signs indicating "Danger – No Smoking, Matches, or Open Lights" posted?


Photo Comment
Arc-Welding Machines: Installation, Operation, & Maintenance

1. Do all arc-welding machines and equipment comply with Requirements for Electric Arc-Welding Apparatus (NEMA EW-1-1962) and/or Safety Standards for Transformer-Type Arc-Welding Machines?


Photo Comment

2. Are arc-welding machines and equipment designed and constructed to operate under anticipated environmental conditions such as humidity, weather, vapors, etc.?


Photo Comment

3. Are arc-welding machine frames and cases electrically grounded?


Photo Comment

4. Are lead terminals protected from contact?


Photo Comment

5. Are manual electrodes specifically designed for arc welding and cutting?


Photo Comment

6. Can electrode holders safely handle the required maximum rated current?


Photo Comment

7. Are the outer surfaces of the jaws and all current-carrying parts of the electrode holder fully insulated against the maximum voltage to the ground?


Photo Comment

8. Do ground return cables have a safe current-carrying capacity equal to or greater than the maximum output capacity of the equipment it serves?


Photo Comment

9. Are all grounding connections mechanically strong and electrically adequate for the required current?


Photo Comment

10. Are cables free from repair or splices for a minimum of 10 feet from the connected end?NOTE: Cables with standard insulated connectors or with splices whose insulation equals the cable are permitted


Photo Comment

11. Are damaged cables not used?


Photo Comment

12. Is there a disconnect switch with overcurrent protection located near each arc-welding machine that does not have its switch?


Photo Comment

13. Is a disconnect switch with overcurrent protection provided for every outlet used with a welding machine?


Photo Comment

14. Is control apparatus enclosed on all types of arc-welding machines?


Photo Comment

15. Are portable control devices connected to an AC circuit no higher than 120V?


Photo Comment

16. Are proper shut-down switches provided?


Photo Comment

17. Are only authorized personnel allowed to use and handle arc welding equipment?


Photo Comment

18. Do authorized users have a copy of the applicable manufacturer's operating instructions?


Photo Comment

19. Are the manufacturer's operating instructions printed and strictly followed?


Photo Comment

20. Are authorized users required to report all defects or safety hazards immediately and discontinue work until safety is confirmed?


Photo Comment

21. Are the machines, cables, hoses, torches, wires, electrodes, cylinders, connections, and all related apparatus thoroughly inspected before any operation?


Photo Comment

22. Is welding cable spread out and made free of kinks before each use to avoid overheating and insulation damage?


Photo Comment

23. Are arc welding machines repaired only by qualified personnel?


Photo Comment

24. Are damaged cables replaced before each use? Is it permitted by the construction standard to repair with rubber or friction tape, provided there is sufficient insulation?


Photo Comment

25. Are arc-welding and cutting operations performed using noncombustible or flame-proof screens?


Photo Comment

26. Are welding, cutting, and heating performed only in authorized areas?


Photo Comment

27. Do welding, cutting, and heating operations involving toxic substances comply with the standards in?


Photo Comment

28. Are damaged hoses replaced before each use?


Photo Comment

29. Are pressure regulator repairs conducted only by qualified mechanics?


Photo Comment

30. When the equipment is not in use: a)are electrodes removed from holders? b) are holders stored to avoid contact with conductive materials? c) is the equipment disconnected from all power sources?


Photo Comment
Personal Protective Equipment

1. Are protective goggles or face shields worn at all times when working with corrosive materials, working near flying particles, or in any circumstance where there could be a risk of eye injury?


Photo Comment

2. Are all personnel exposed to hazards created by welding, cutting, or brazing protected by personal protective equipment as required?


Photo Comment

3. Are helmets, hand shields, and goggles worn at all times during all welding and cutting operations?


Photo Comment

4. Is anyone exposed to radiation suitably protected?


Photo Comment

5. Are all personnel protected against toxic preservative coatings as prescribed?


Photo Comment
General Housekeeping & Safety

1. Are the aisles marked?


Photo Comment

2. Is the proper aisle width well maintained?


Photo Comment

3. Are the aisles in good condition and free from any obstructions?


Photo Comment

4. Are the workspaces kept clean and free from any obstructions?


Photo Comment

5. Are the fire extinguishers kept in readiness in easily accessible locations?


Photo Comment

6. Are the fire blanket blankets kept in readiness in easily accessible locations?


Photo Comment

7. Is the emergency eyewash available and in operable condition?


Photo Comment

8. Is the first aid kit available with valid products inside?


Photo Comment

9. Are passageways, aisles, ladders, and steps maintained clear of obstacles?


Photo Comment

10. Are cables and cords cleared from aisles, passageways, ladders, and steps?


Photo Comment

11. Do the local exhaust hoods or booths ensure an airflow of 100 linear feet per minute?


Photo Comment

12. Is mechanical ventilation at a rate of 2000 cubic feet per minute per welder necessary under the following conditions: • When there is less than 10,000 cubic feet of space per welder? • When the ceiling height is less than 16 feet? • When natural cross-ventilation is obstructed?


Photo Comment

13. Is the mechanical ventilation present, functional, and in use?


Photo Comment

14. Is mechanical ventilation required in this work area?


Photo Comment

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Checklist by GoAudits.com – Please note that this checklist is intended as an example. We do not guarantee compliance with the laws applicable to your territory or industry. You should seek professional advice to determine how this checklist should be adapted to your workplace or jurisdiction.

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