Welding Risk Checklist - OSHA

1. 1. Have employees who are designated to operate arc welding equipment been properly instructed and qualified?

2. 2. Are open-circuit (no-load) voltages of arc welding and cutting machines as low as possible, consistent with satisfactory welding?

3. 3. When open-circuit voltages must be higher, are means provided to prevent the operator from making accidental contact with the higher voltages?

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

5. 5. Are terminals for welding leads protected from accidental electrical contact by personnel or metal objects?

6. 6. Do you ensure that no connections for portable control devices, such as push buttons carried by the operator, are connected to an A.C. circuit of higher than 120 volts?

7. 7. Is the frame or case of the welding machine effectively grounded, and was the grounding checked?

8. 8. Is a separate disconnecting switch or controller provided at or near each welding machine?

9. 9. Are electrode holders placed so they cannot make electrical contact with people, conducting objects, fuel, or compressed gas tanks?

10. 10. Has the operator been instructed to report any equipment defect or safety hazard to a supervisor, and is use of the equipment discontinued until repaired by qualified personnel?

11. 11. Are work and electrode lead cables frequently inspected for wear and damage, and are cables with damaged insulation or exposed bare conductors replaced?

12. 12. Have personnel who are designated to operate resistance welding equipment been properly instructed and judged competent to operate such equipment?

13. 13. Has a shield guard of safety glass or suitable fire-resistant plastic been installed at the point of operation?

14. 14. Are foot switches guarded to prevent accidental operation of the machine?

15. 15. Are two or more safety emergency stop buttons provided on all special, multi-spot welding machines, including 2-post and 4-post weld presses?