A printable, fillable one-page pre-arc checklist for welders on the job site, in a 3-page PDF (cover, how to use and the checklist), plus the checklist as its own one-page fillable PDF and a 3-page READ ME, in one zip. Type into the fields on screen or print the sheet and fill it in by pen. Instant download; print as many copies as you need for your own company's job sites.
About this checklist
Check the area, the gear and the people before the first arc of every job and shift. 30 checks and a write-in line are laid out in 7 sections: A, the area within 35 ft and the hot work permit; B, the fire watch and extinguisher; C, gas cylinders, regulators, hoses and torch; D, the arc machine, leads and work clamp; E, PPE; F, fumes, coatings and confined spaces; G, people nearby and work at height. It works for stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), flux core (FCAW), TIG (GTAW) and oxy-fuel cutting or heating.
Tick Y, N or N/A on every line. Some items may not apply to your job or process, for example no gas cylinders on a stick job, so mark those N/A. Any N gets fixed before the arc is struck; if it cannot be fixed, tick STOP and write the name of the supervisor you told. The fire watch block records the fire watch's name, the times hot work started and finished, the post-weld fire watch times and the area check at finish, with the welder's and a supervisor's or permit issuer's sign-off.
On construction work, the checklist helps with the welding and cutting rules in OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart J (1926.350-1926.354), including the fire watch in 1926.352(e). The construction rules set no distance or fire watch time, so the sheet leaves the watch length for your site or permit to fill in; the 35 ft used in section A is the general industry figure in 29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(vii). It is a checklist template: it does not replace the equipment maker's manual, your site's hot work rules and permit, your company's safety program or any rule that applies to your work. Not legal advice.
US Letter size (8.5 x 11 in). Every box is sized for a pen, so a blank printout works fine on a clipboard.
What's inside
Page 1: Cover with a contents list and the license line.
Page 2: How to use this checklist: what each section covers, the Y / N / N/A key and 5 steps.
Page 3: Welder pre-arc checklist, one job and one shift: 30 checks plus a write-in line, the OK to strike an arc / STOP result line, the fire watch block and sign-offs (fillable).
Plus the checklist as its own one-page fillable PDF.
Plus a 3-page READ ME: how to fill it in and print, the fire watch and sign-offs, where the 35 ft and the half hour come from, notes on some items, and the license.
Fill in on screen or print
Type into the fillable fields in a PDF reader or a current web browser, then save a copy for each job and shift so the blank stays blank.
Or print on US Letter (8.5 x 11 in) paper at 100% / actual size and fill it in by pen. Sign by hand on the printout.
How it works
1. Check out as usual. Nothing is shipped: this is a digital download.
2. Get your download link right away on the order confirmation page and in your confirmation email.
3. The download link is valid for 30 days. Save the zip file to your computer or shared drive. If your link expires, contact us through the site and we can resend it.
License
Single-business license: the purchasing company may fill in and print unlimited copies for its own internal use and its own job sites. Please don't resell, share, redistribute, upload or post the files or the templates, in whole or in part.
FAQ
Which welding processes does it cover? Stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), flux core (FCAW), TIG (GTAW) and oxy-fuel cutting or heating. Tick each process you use; mark any line that is not your process N/A.
How long should the fire watch last? As long as your site or permit says; the sheet sets no number. If your site or permit sets none, keep the watch until there is no chance of fire. The READ ME explains the construction and general industry rules.
Do I need a new sheet every day? Use one sheet per job and shift. Start a new sheet when the welder, the work area or the shift changes.
What if my download link expires? The link stays active for 30 days. After that, contact us through the site with your order number and we can resend it.
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