Welding Shop Checklist - 2022

Information

Audit Title
Conducted on
Prepared by
Location

TRAINING

Personal Protective Equipment and all hazards of welding operations?
Are welders trained in proper equipment use and work area set up? 
Have workers involved in the welding operation been trained to use fire extinguishing equipment for the type of welding to be performed?
Does POSHO have training records on file for all workers involved in welding operations?
Does POSHO issue signed hot work permits daily for welding operations and have them on file (DS – 1939)?

WORK AREA

Is all combustible material at minimum 35 feet (10.7m) from the welder’s work area?
If welding must be done over combustible floors, are floors kept wet by covering with damp sand or protected by fire-resistant shields?
Are flame resistant screens in use when welding must be performed in an area closer than 35 feet (10.7m) to combustible materials?
If welding screens must be used on all sides of the welder’s work area, are screens mounted 2 feet (0.61 m) above the floor to allow for proper ventilation of the work area?
Are welding screens sufficiently absorptive and non-reflective of the welding rays?
Have all hollow spaces, cavities or containers been vented of gases before preheating, cutting or welding?
If used containers are to be welded, have they been thoroughly cleaned of any residual material and free from any substance that may produce flammable or toxic vapors?
Is mechanical ventilation in use when welding in areas meeting the following conditions? · In a space of less than 10,000 cubic feet (284 m(3)) per welder. · In a room having a ceiling height of less than 16 feet (5 m). · In confined spaces or where the welding space contains partitions, balconies, or other structural barriers to the extent that they significantly obstruct cross ventilation.
Is there proper fire extinguishing equipment located in the work area?
Is first-aid equipment capable of treating burns readily available and accessible?
Are all electrical cords and ropes kept out of walkways?
Are Flammable liquids and oil deposits removed from the work area?

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Are welders wearing long sleeves and pants made of fire-resistant material along with leather boots?
If proper ventilation is not feasible in the work area, is the welder using a proper respirator for the metals being welded and is the respirator flame and spark resistant? Has the welder been fit tested and medically cleared to wear the respirator?
Are welding helmets and hand protection available and worn by welders?
Are goggles or face shields available and worn by all workers assisting in the welding operation?
Do lenses for welding helmets, goggles and face shields meet the following requirements according to the type of welding being performed?
Has all electrical equipment and wiring for arc welders been checked for proper installation and load limits per manufacturer?
Are grounded outlets being used as power source to welding equipment?

ELECTRICAL

Has all electrical equipment and wiring for arc welders been checked for proper installation and load limits per manufacturer?
Are grounded outlets being used as power source to welding equipment?

FIRE WATCH

Will a fire watch be present throughout the duration of the welding operation and at minimum 30 minutes after welding operations have ceased?
When torch welding is to be suspended for any substantial period of time, such as during lunch or overnight, are torch valves closed and the gas supply to the torch positively shut off at some point outside the confined area?
When arc welding is to be suspended for any substantial period of time, such as during lunch or overnight, are all electrodes removed from the holders and the holders carefully located so that accidental contact cannot occur and is the machine be disconnected from the power source?

HAZARD COMMUNICATION

Are all containers for welding fluxes and fillers properly labeled and do workers have access to Safety Data Sheets for the materials?
Are all brazing filler metals containing cadmium in significant amounts properly labeled? See OSHA guidance below for adequate label information: WARNING CONTAINS CADMIUM—POISONOUS FUMES MAY BE FORMED ON HEATING Do not breathe fumes. Use only with adequate ventilation such as fume collectors, exhaust ventilators, or air-supplied respirators. See ANSI Z49.1-1967. If chest pain, cough, or fever develops after use call physician immediately.
Are brazing and gas welding fluxes containing fluorine compounds properly labeled? See labeling guidance from the American Welding Society for brazing and gas welding fluxes: CAUTION CONTAINS FLUORIDES This flux when heated gives off fumes that may irritate eyes, nose and throat. 1. Avoid fumes—use only in well-ventilated spaces. 2. Avoid contact of flux with eyes or skin. 3. Do not take internally.
6.4 Are all spilled hazardous materiales or liquids, cleaned up immediately and according to proper procedures?
6.5 Is a clean up kit with a supply of absorbent materials and appropriate neutralizers located near the area?
6.6 Is wood dust from saws and other wood working equipment controlled with local exhaust ventilation?
6.7 Are there eye wash facilities within the work area where employees are exposed to corrosive materials or other chemicals hazardous to the eyes?