Job Safety Analysis: Welding and Cutting

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Inspect work area and equipment Fire hazards, poor ventilation, damaged cables or hoses Remove combustibles, ensure fire extinguishers are nearby, verify ventilation is adequate, inspect equipment before use
Set up welding or cutting equipment Electric shock, gas leaks, incorrect equipment settings Confirm cables are intact, verify electrical connections are grounded, check for gas leaks using approved methods, set equipment to manufacturer recommendations
Prepare materials for welding or cutting Hand injuries from sharp edges, dropped materials Wear gloves, use proper lifting techniques, secure materials to prevent movement
Strike arc or begin cutting Eye injuries, burns, harmful UV light Use welding helmet with proper shade, wear flame resistant clothing, keep bystanders at a safe distance
Perform welding or cutting work Sparks, molten metal, fumes, fire, noise Maintain proper body position, use screens to protect others, use mechanical or natural ventilation, have fire watch if required, use hearing protection
Handle hot materials after welding or cutting Burns, dropped objects Use tongs or heat resistant gloves, clearly mark hot materials, allow cooling time before handling
Shut down equipment Electric shock, accidental ignition Turn off equipment, close gas valves, disconnect power when needed, coil hoses and cables safely
Clean work area Fire hazards from leftover slag or metal pieces Remove slag and scrap, dispose of waste properly, ensure no smoldering materials remain

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Welding helmet with proper shade lens

  • Safety glasses with side shields

  • Welding gloves

  • Flame resistant clothing

  • Steel toe boots

  • Hearing protection

  • Respirator when fumes or ventilation are a concern

  • High visibility vest when working near vehicles or traffic

Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.

JSA Category: General Maintenance and Shop Operations

* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.

Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.

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Job Safety Analysis
Step Potential Hazard Control
Inspect work area and equipment Fire hazards, poor ventilation, damaged cables or hoses Remove combustibles, ensure fire extinguishers are nearby, verify ventilation is adequate, inspect equipment before use
Set up welding or cutting equipment Electric shock, gas leaks, incorrect equipment settings Confirm cables are intact, verify electrical connections are grounded, check for gas leaks using approved methods, set equipment to manufacturer recommendations
Prepare materials for welding or cutting Hand injuries from sharp edges, dropped materials Wear gloves, use proper lifting techniques, secure materials to prevent movement
Strike arc or begin cutting Eye injuries, burns, harmful UV light Use welding helmet with proper shade, wear flame resistant clothing, keep bystanders at a safe distance
Perform welding or cutting work Sparks, molten metal, fumes, fire, noise Maintain proper body position, use screens to protect others, use mechanical or natural ventilation, have fire watch if required, use hearing protection
Handle hot materials after welding or cutting Burns, dropped objects Use tongs or heat resistant gloves, clearly mark hot materials, allow cooling time before handling
Shut down equipment Electric shock, accidental ignition Turn off equipment, close gas valves, disconnect power when needed, coil hoses and cables safely
Clean work area Fire hazards from leftover slag or metal pieces Remove slag and scrap, dispose of waste properly, ensure no smoldering materials remain
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment