Welding and Cutting (Hot Work) Operations

Self-Audit Checklist

Building ______________________________ Room __________ Supervisor ______________________ Date _________

Audit Performed by _____________________________

Y N NA COMMENTS
A. General Welding and Cutting Controls
1. Welding and cutting operations restricted to authorized
employees
2. Fire Code Permit obtained
3. Hot work performed in a shop area, if possible
4. Combustible materials moved at least 35 feet from
worksite
5. Floor and wall openings covered at least 35 feet from
worksite
6. Procedures developed to prevent welding and cutting in the
presence of explosive or toxic air contaminants
7. Fire resistant curtains and/or tinted shields provided
8. Local or general exhaust ventilation adequately used
9. Appropriate personal protective equipment provided and
used
10. Appropriate fire extinguishers provided in vicinity of hot
work
11. Building sprinkler systems operational, when applicable
12. Procedures developed to establish and maintain a fire
watch in hot work areas
13. Hot work permit used

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A. General Welding and Cutting Controls 7. Fire resistant curtains and tinted shields should be used to prevent fire,
employee burns, and ultra-violet light exposure.
1. Welding and cutting operations should be restricted to workers who
have been properly trained. 8. Self explanatory

2. Fire code permits are required for all welding and cutting operations. 9. Personal protective equipment specifically designed for hot work
Permits are obtained from the local fire official. should be provided to and used by workers. Potential for material
being worked on or surface coatings to emit toxic fumes should be
3. Whenever possible, hot work should be performed in a properly considered.
designed shop area equipped with all necessary controls and adequate
ventilation. 10. A fire extinguisher rated at not less than 2-A:20-B:C must be available
in shop areas where hot work is performed. A fire extinguisher rated at
4. Combustible materials, such as building construction materials or other not less than 2-A:10-B:C must be attached to all portable welding carts.
building contents, must be located at least 35 feet from the hot work Contact EHS for additional guidance in fire extinguisher selection.
area or properly protected to prevent hot sparks from contacting them.
Floors within this area must also be swept clean of all combustible 11. The building’s sprinkler system, if so equipped, must be operational
materials. before hot work can begin.

5. All openings in floors and wall within 35 feet of the hot work area must 12. A person other than the operator should perform fire watch duties and
be covered to prevent hot sparks from entering walls or falling beneath should remain at the worksite for at least 30 minutes after hot work
floors or to a lower level. operations have ended.

6. Hot work should not be conducted in the presence of explosive 13. A written hot work permit can serve as a checklist for operators and
mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts or where helps minimize the risk of fire from such activities. Contact EHS for a
explosive mixtures could develop inside improperly prepared tanks or model written permit or additional guidance in establishing a hot work
equipment. Atmospheric testing and monitoring for combustible gases program.
and vapors should be conducted before work begins and at
predetermined intervals thereafter.
 Y N NA COMMENTS
B. Welding or Cutting in Confined Spaces
1. Procedures developed for confined space entry and rescue
2. Ventilation and/or respiratory protection provided
3. Welding and cutting equipment left outside space
4. Electrodes removed from holders and/or gas supply shut
off when operations are suspended for any substantial
period
5. Hot work permit used
C. Compressed Gas Cylinders
1. Oxygen and fuel gas cylinders stored separately with
protective value caps in place
2. Regulators compatible with gas cylinder
3. Cylinder carts used for transport
4. Cylinders secured from tipping while in use
5. Empty or unused gas cylinders promptly returned to
supplier
D. Training
1. Workers trained in use of welding and cutting equipment,
material hazards, and control methods
2. Personal protective equipment training provided
3. Confined space entry training provided, where necessary

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B. Welding or Cutting in Confined Spaces 2. Many regulators are similar in design and construction. Ensure that
regulators are designed for the cylinder used by checking the
1. A model confined space entry program is available through EHS. manufacturer’s model number and comparing that with the gas
supplier’s requirements.
2. When working in poorly ventilated spaces, exposure to air
contaminants generated by welding or cutting must be controlled by 3. Self explanatory
ventilation, respiratory protection, or a combination of the two.
4. Cylinders should always be secured in an upright position. Information
3. Gas cylinders and welding machines must be left outside the space is available through EHS on methods for securing cylinders.
when work is performed in spaces such as boilers, tanks, or pressure
vessels. Heavy portable equipment mounted on wheels must be 5. Self explanatory
securely blocked to prevent movement.
D. Training
4. A substantial period of time can be defined as lunch breaks or longer.
Procedures are spelled out in the model confined space program 1. Workers should be trained in proper equipment operation, handling and
available through EHS. storage of welding materials, compressed gas safety, chemical
hazards, and in working procedures including the written hot work
5. A written hot work permit should be used for all hot work operations. permit. Assistance in employee training is available through EHS.
Sample permits are available through EHS.
2. Workers must receive training on personal protective equipment
C. Compressed Gas Cylinders selection and use. Documentation of the training must be maintained.
Sample forms and general training are available through EHS.
1. Except when in use, oxygen and fuel gas cylinders must be stored
separately, at least 20 feet apart or separated by a noncombustible 3. Workers must receive training before working in confined spaces.
wall at least 5 feet high. General training is available through EHS.