Welding, Grinding and Hot Work Audit

Hot work permit issued, signed by the permit authorizing individual and posted at the job (NFPA 51B; 1910.252(a)(2)(iv))

Permit matches the actual work, location, equipment and time window

Combustibles moved 35 ft away, or covered or shielded with fire-resistant blankets or guards (1910.252(a)(1))

Floor and wall openings, cracks and drains within 35 ft covered or sealed

Hot work near hydrocarbons or the wellbore: well secured, no open flow or venting, tanks, pits, shakers and cellar isolated or covered, SIMOPS reviewed

Welding screens or curtains, barricades and signs protect others nearby

LEL test done before work started, reading recorded on the permit (stop at 10% LEL or higher; 0% expected)

Continuous or scheduled re-testing during the work with a calibrated, bump-tested meter

H2S and O2 checked where required, alarms set

Trained fire watch assigned with no other duties (1910.252(a)(2)(iii))

Fire watch has an extinguisher at hand and a way to raise the alarm

Fire watch stays during the work and at least 30 minutes after it ends (NFPA 51B: 60 minutes where required), final check signed

Extinguisher right type for the hazard, charged, inspected and within reach (1910.157)

Welding hood or helmet with the correct shade lens (1910.252(b)(2))

Face shield worn over safety glasses for grinding and cutting

FR clothing, leather welding gloves and sleeves in good condition

Hearing protection, and respiratory protection where fumes require it

Grinder guard in place and adjusted; no guard removed (1910.243(c))

Wheel or disc RPM rating at or above the grinder nameplate RPM

Wheel right type for the job, undamaged and not used past its size; no side grinding on cutoff wheels

Handles fitted, cords and plugs undamaged, tools inspected before use

Cylinders upright and chained or secured; valve caps on when not in use (1910.253(b))

Oxygen stored 20 ft from fuel gas, or behind a 5 ft, half-hour fire-rated barrier (1910.253(b)(4)(iii))

Flashback arrestors and check valves fitted; hoses undamaged, no tape repairs

Welding cables and leads undamaged and fully insulated; no splices within 10 ft of the holder (1910.254(d))

Machine frame grounded; work lead clamped close to the work, not through rig structure or bearings

Leads and hoses routed to prevent trips and damage, not through doorways or walkways

Ventilation or local exhaust keeps fumes out of the breathing zone (1910.252(c))

Confined space entry permit and attendant in place if the work is in a confined space

Coatings, galvanizing or residues removed or controlled before heating