| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect work area and remove combustibles | Fire, explosion risk, tripping hazards | Clear flammables, keep fire extinguisher nearby, maintain good housekeeping |
| Inspect cutting torch, hoses, regulators, and cylinders | Leaking gas, damaged equipment, flashback hazards | Check for leaks with approved leak detection solution, inspect hoses for cracks, ensure flashback arrestors are installed |
| Secure cylinders and set up equipment | Cylinder tip over, crushed fingers, gas release | Keep cylinders upright and secured, remove valve caps carefully, open valves slowly, keep cylinders away from heat |
| Adjust regulators and purge hoses | Sudden pressure release, incorrect gas mix | Follow manufacturer procedures, purge oxygen and fuel lines separately, set proper working pressure |
| Light torch and adjust flame | Flashback, burns, fire | Use striker to light torch, never use matches or lighters, keep body and clothing clear of flame |
| Perform cutting operations | Sparks, molten metal, hot slag, fumes, fire, eye injury | Wear proper PPE, maintain stable body position, direct sparks away from people and combustibles, use ventilation |
| Shut off torch and close valves after cutting | Fire, backfeed of gases, pressure buildup | Shut off torch valves first, then close cylinder valves, bleed pressure from hoses, ensure equipment is cool |
| Handle and move freshly cut metal | Burns, sharp edges, dropped objects | Use tongs or gloves rated for heat, mark hot materials, lift properly, avoid handling until cooled |
| Clean and inspect work area | Fire hazards from smoldering slag, leftover materials | Remove slag and scrap, check for hot spots, store equipment safely, verify area is fire safe before leaving |
Safety glasses with side shields
Face shield or cutting goggles with proper shade
Flame resistant clothing
Welding or cutting gloves
Steel toe boots
Hearing protection
Respirator when needed for fumes
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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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect work area and remove combustibles | Fire, explosion risk, tripping hazards | Clear flammables, keep fire extinguisher nearby, maintain good housekeeping |
| Inspect cutting torch, hoses, regulators, and cylinders | Leaking gas, damaged equipment, flashback hazards | Check for leaks with approved leak detection solution, inspect hoses for cracks, ensure flashback arrestors are installed |
| Secure cylinders and set up equipment | Cylinder tip over, crushed fingers, gas release | Keep cylinders upright and secured, remove valve caps carefully, open valves slowly, keep cylinders away from heat |
| Adjust regulators and purge hoses | Sudden pressure release, incorrect gas mix | Follow manufacturer procedures, purge oxygen and fuel lines separately, set proper working pressure |
| Light torch and adjust flame | Flashback, burns, fire | Use striker to light torch, never use matches or lighters, keep body and clothing clear of flame |
| Perform cutting operations | Sparks, molten metal, hot slag, fumes, fire, eye injury | Wear proper PPE, maintain stable body position, direct sparks away from people and combustibles, use ventilation |
| Shut off torch and close valves after cutting | Fire, backfeed of gases, pressure buildup | Shut off torch valves first, then close cylinder valves, bleed pressure from hoses, ensure equipment is cool |
| Handle and move freshly cut metal | Burns, sharp edges, dropped objects | Use tongs or gloves rated for heat, mark hot materials, lift properly, avoid handling until cooled |
| Clean and inspect work area | Fire hazards from smoldering slag, leftover materials | Remove slag and scrap, check for hot spots, store equipment safely, verify area is fire safe before leaving |
Safety glasses with side shields
Face shield or cutting goggles with proper shade
Flame resistant clothing
Welding or cutting gloves
Steel toe boots
Hearing protection
Respirator when needed for fumes
High visibility vest when working near vehicles or traffic