Welding Booth Ventilation and Fume Extraction Inspection Log

Inspection log for verifying welding booth local exhaust ventilation, fume extraction performance, and related controls in school welding labs to support respiratory-protection compliance.

Inspection Details

• Inspection date and time recorded
• Welding lab / booth identifier documented
• Inspector identified as competent person
• Inspection performed before welding operations began
  Confirm the inspection was completed before students or staff started welding, cutting, or grinding activities.

Ventilation System Readiness

• Local exhaust ventilation is powered on and operating
  Verify the exhaust fan, blower, or connected ventilation unit is running normally with no unusual noise, vibration, or shutdown alarms.
• Airflow indicator or gauge shows normal operating range
  Confirm any installed airflow indicator, magnehelic gauge, manometer, or status light indicates acceptable operation.
• Hood, capture arm, or extraction inlet positioned to capture welding fumes at source
  Check that the capture point is placed close enough to the weld zone to intercept fumes without obstructing the work area.
• Flexible ducting, hoses, and joints are intact with no visible damage or leaks
• Exhaust discharge is unobstructed and routed away from occupied areas
  Verify the exhaust outlet is not blocked and does not recirculate fumes into classrooms, corridors, or adjacent workspaces.

Capture Performance and Work Area Conditions

• Visible welding fumes are captured at the source during a test weld or simulated operation
  Observe whether the system effectively captures fumes generated at the welding point rather than allowing plume migration into the breathing zone.
• Breathing zone of the operator remains outside the visible fume plume
• Welding booth opening and curtains do not interfere with airflow capture
  Confirm booth barriers, curtains, or partitions are arranged so they do not block the exhaust path or create dead-air zones.
• No competing air currents observed that disrupt fume capture
  Check for fans, open doors, HVAC supply jets, or other drafts that push fumes away from the capture hood.
• Welding process and material type documented
  Record the welding process used and any material or filler metal that may affect fume generation.

Filter, Collector, and Maintenance Condition

• Filter or cartridge condition acceptable with no visible saturation or damage
  Inspect disposable or reusable filters for loading, tears, bypass leakage, or other signs of reduced performance.
• Dust or fume collector is closed, secured, and free of leaks
• Maintenance label or service record shows current inspection status
  Verify the unit has a current service date, preventive maintenance record, or inspection tag.
• Pressure drop or differential pressure reading within acceptable range
  Enter the measured pressure drop if the system is equipped with a gauge. If no gauge is installed, document N/A in comments.

Deficiencies, Corrective Actions, and Sign-Off

• Any deficiency or non-conformance documented
• Corrective action assigned and due date recorded
  Document the action owner, required repair or adjustment, and target completion date for any failed item.
• Area restricted from welding use if critical ventilation deficiency exists
  Confirm the booth or lab is taken out of service when ventilation performance is not adequate for safe welding operations.
• Inspector signature