Construction Site Welding and Hot Work Safety Checklist

Welding equipment should be inspected daily before use by the operator. Additionally, a more thorough inspection by a qualified person should be conducted weekly, with comprehensive maintenance checks performed monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Hot work permits are typically issued by a designated hot work supervisor, safety officer, or site manager who has been trained in hot work safety procedures. This person is responsible for assessing the work area, ensuring all safety measures are in place, and authorizing the hot work to proceed.

Key areas include hot work permit procedures, fire watch assignments, flammable material removal or protection, ventilation requirements, personal protective equipment, welding equipment inspection, gas cylinder safety, electrical safety for arc welding, emergency response procedures, and post-work fire monitoring.

Precautions should include removing all flammable materials within a 35-foot radius, using fire-resistant shields or curtains, having appropriate fire extinguishers readily available, assigning a dedicated fire watch, wetting down combustible surfaces, sealing floor openings, and conducting a thorough inspection of the area for at least 30 minutes after work completion.

Proper ventilation can be ensured through a combination of natural air flow, mechanical ventilation systems, and local exhaust ventilation. The type and level of ventilation required depends on the welding process, materials being welded, and the confined nature of the work space. Air sampling may be necessary to ensure fume levels are within safe limits.