Published 23 Nov 2022
What is a Welding Safety Checklist?
A welding safety checklist is a tool used to assess workers’ safety throughout the entire welding, cutting, and brazing processes. It helps ensure compliance with regulatory standards including wearing of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), welding equipment usage, and machinery inspections.
Welding Safety Checklist
Use this checklist before commencing welding tasks. Start by taking a photo of the work area and check if the operator has undergone proper training, understands instructions, and wears appropriate PPE. Next, evaluate if equipment is in good working condition and the working area is ventilated and free from flammables and obstructions. Inspect if procedures were followed during and after work. End the report by by providing recommendations and an overall safety rating.
A welding safety checklist can also be used when performing site walkthroughs that help record the ventilation systems condition, flammable materials on site, and welding hazards and control.
Welding Safety Equipment List
The welding industry requires wearing appropriate PPE when performing weld. It helps protect welders from the unnecessary incident including skin burns, blindness, or overexposure to fumes and gases. The following welding safety equipment list can protect welders from welding hazards.
- Welding helmet – wearing a welding helmet, hood, or mask can protect welders from sparks and radiation emitted by the arc that can quickly damage the skin and eyes.
- Eye protection – this includes googles or hand-held face shields. This would help prevent eye damage or loss of vision.
- Respirators – this would protect welders from inhalation of harmful fumes and gases to enter the body.
- Flame-resistant welding gloves – the working hands are the closest proximity to the arc. Wearing flame-resistant welding gloves can lessen the exposure to intense heat and radiation.
- Protective suits – this could protect the welder from extreme temperatures, flames, and sparks.
- Welding-specific work boots – this would protect the top of the foot from flames and sparks.
What are the Safety Requirements for Welding?
The safety requirements for welding involves the welder’s training, welding machine, work area, and the actual welding operation. See the list below for more information on safety requirements for welding. These are based on this welding safety checklist.
Operators
- Are all welding operators trained/certified?
- Are all instructions clear and understood by operators?
- Are all welding operators familiar with the welding machine?
- Are all welding operators aware of the type of materials to be weld?
- Do all welding operators wear proper PPE?
- Are welding operators aware of all safety and emergency protocols?
Welding Machine
- Are all welding cables, wirings, and electrode holder insulations in good working condition?
- Are all welding terminals and joints in good working condition?
- Is the size of cable suitable for voltage supply?
Work Area
- Is work area clean and free of flammables and obstructions?
- Is work area well ventilated?
- Is there a suitable Class ABC fire extinguisher nearby while welding?
- Are combustible floors wetted or protected?
- Are combustible walls shielded or guarded?
- Is fire blanket available within the area?
- Are warning signs placed within the area?
- Is work area restricted to regular employees?
On-going Operation
- Is arch shield used to provide an extra layer of protection?
- Do all welding operators wear an approved respirator?
- Are all welding operators insulated from work and ground?
- Are all welding operators use dry insulation?
- Do welding operators avoid coiling of electrode cable around any part of their body?
- Are oxygen cylinders handled with clean hands or gloves?
- Are fuel-gas cylinders placed with valve end up?
- Is cylinder not attached when lifting a machine?
Post-operation
- Are all combustible materials swept away?
- Are all welding equipment turned off and properly stored?
- Is gas cylinder valve fully closed and put away safely?
- Are all equipment clean and stored properly?
- Are waste items disposed properly in designated and appropriate waste container?
- Are all incidents reported to a supervisor?
We have compiled a collection of welding safety checklists using SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) which can be used during daily operations. It includes equipment self-inspections, risk assessments, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and PPE checks.
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Top 6 Welding Safety Checklists
OSHA Welding, Cutting and Brazing Checklist
This OSHA self-inspection checklist can be used for inspecting safety of welding, cutting and brazing activities. Perform this quick self-inspection before operating any machinery equipment. Confirm that only trained personnel will be performing the task, check for gas cylinder handling and storage, inspect cables and equipment, check the work area and ventilation and ensure proper PPE is worn at all times.
Welding Risk Assessment Template
Use this welding risk assessment template to identify the hazard associated with welding activities before commencing work. Record risk rating based on the hazards and assess control measures to be used and implemented for safety purposes. Use SafetyCulture (iAuditor) to capture photos of the hazard and generate efficient reports on site.
Welding PPE Checklist
High risk hazards are commonly associated with welding but these can be controlled with appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Use this checklist to select the appropriate PPE and check its condition before commencing work.
Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Template
A JSA is an effective procedure to identify hazards associated with welding, cutting or brazing tasks and can help put in place effective safety controls. Use this template to identify and observe each job step, capture any hazards and provide a recommended elimination or control measure.
Welding LOTO Checklist
Use this lock out tag out procedures checklist to ensure all electrical equipment is safely operated on. Perform a site walkthrough and inspect all welding and electrical equipment to confirm if safe procedures are being followed to minimize electrical hazards.
SafetyCulture Content Specialist
Jona Tarlengco
