Welding Hot Work Daily Inspection

Daily pre-task inspection for welding hot work activities, covering electrodes, grounding, gas leaks, ventilation, and protective screens.

Work Area & Hot Work Readiness

• Hot work area cleared of combustibles within required radius
  Verify flammables, trash, wood, paper, solvents, and other combustible materials are removed or protected from sparks and slag.
• Fire extinguisher present, accessible, and in serviceable condition
  Confirm an appropriate extinguisher is immediately available at the work area and not blocked by materials or equipment.
• Fire watch assigned when required
  Verify a trained fire watch is present when required by permit, site procedure, or AHJ requirements.
• Protective screens or welding curtains installed to shield others from arc flash and sparks
  Ensure screens are positioned to protect nearby workers, visitors, and traffic from radiant energy, spatter, and slag.

Welding Equipment & Electrodes

• Electrodes are dry, properly stored, and suitable for the job
  Check that electrodes are not damaged, contaminated, or exposed to moisture and are the correct type for the welding process.
• Electrode holder, leads, and cable insulation are intact
  Inspect for cracked insulation, exposed conductors, loose connections, overheating, or other visible defects.
• Welding machine is in safe operating condition
  Verify the machine powers on normally, controls are functional, and there are no visible signs of damage, overheating, or leakage.
• Work lead / return path is secure and connected to clean metal
  Confirm the grounding or return clamp is attached to clean, bare metal with a secure connection and no loose or damaged leads.

Gas Cylinders, Hoses & Leak Checks

• Gas cylinders secured upright and capped when not in use
  Verify cylinders are restrained from tipping, stored upright, and fitted with caps when required.
• Regulators, gauges, and valves show no visible damage
  Inspect for cracked lenses, bent stems, damaged threads, missing parts, or signs of impact.
• Hoses and fittings are free of cuts, burns, abrasion, and loose connections
  Check all gas hoses, couplings, and fittings for wear, leaks, kinks, or damage before lighting the torch.
• Leak test completed and no gas leaks detected
  Confirm a leak test was performed on connections and no audible, visible, or odor-based leaks were found.
• Flashback arrestors and check valves installed where required
  Verify required safety devices are installed, correctly oriented, and in serviceable condition.

Ventilation, PPE & Exposure Controls

• Local or general ventilation is adequate for fumes and smoke
  Verify ventilation is operating and positioned to control welding fumes, smoke, and gases at the source.
• Respiratory protection is available and used when required
  Confirm the correct respirator is available, fit-tested if applicable, and used when ventilation alone does not control exposure.
• Welding PPE is worn and in good condition
  Verify helmet, face shield, gloves, flame-resistant clothing, and eye protection are appropriate for the task and free of damage.
• Nearby workers are protected from arc flash and spatter exposure
  Confirm barriers, screens, or exclusion zones are in place to prevent exposure to bystanders and adjacent trades.

Final Authorization

• Permit, task briefing, and site-specific controls reviewed before start
  Confirm the crew reviewed the hot work permit, hazards, emergency response steps, and any site-specific restrictions.
• Inspector authorization to begin welding hot work
  Use this item to document final approval to start work after all critical checks pass.
• Additional deficiencies or corrective actions noted
  Record any non-conformance, temporary controls, or follow-up actions needed before or during the task.