DEVELOPMENT OF NTP 324-BASED CHECKLIST QUESTIONNAIRES FOR OCCUPATIONAL RISK PREVENTION IN STEEL STRUCTURE WELDING PROCESSES

Welding activities in medium and high-rise steel structures involve significant occupational risks, such as burns, ultraviolet radiation exposure, inhalation of toxic gases, electric shocks, and potential fires. Inadequate management of these hazards compromises not only the physical integrity of workers but also the structural safety of the project. The objective of this study is to develop checklist questionnaires as a key tool for occupational risk prevention, based on Technical Prevention Note NTP 324 and adapted to welding processes in steel structures, in accordance with current Ecuadorian regulations. The methodology integrates the criteria of NTP 324 and the qualitative approach of NTP 330, which is widely recognized internationally for risk assessment, for its application in construction projects in Ecuador. The results include the development of structured questionnaires that enable risk identification, deficiency evaluation, and the proposal of corrective measures through Job Risk Analysis (JRA). These instruments must be implemented and communicated to operational personnel. Their application facilitates the alignment of workplace practices with national legal requirements, strengthens preventive culture, and promotes safer and more sustainable working environments in steel construction projects.