Product Overview

This Electric Welder Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a site-ready safety document designed to identify hazards, assess risks and implement controls for welding operations on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, task-specific SWMS covering multiple aspects of electric welding safety and supporting ongoing WHS compliance for PCBUs, supervisors and workers.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe setup, operation and shutdown of electric and arc welders in a range of work environments
• Selection, inspection and maintenance of welding plant, leads, clamps and associated equipment
• Management of electrical risks, including damaged cords, faulty plugs, RCD protection and isolation procedures
• Control of welding fumes, gases and airborne contaminants through ventilation and local exhaust systems
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including welding helmets, gloves, clothing and eye protection
• Fire and explosion prevention when welding near combustible materials, flammable liquids or confined areas
• Safe handling and storage of welding consumables such as electrodes, wires and shielding gases
• Control measures for arc flash, UV radiation and hot work burns during welding activities
• Management of welding in restricted or awkward positions, including ergonomic and musculoskeletal risk controls
• Housekeeping practices to prevent slips, trips and falls around welding work areas, leads and equipment
• Emergency response procedures for electric shock, burns, fire and exposure to hazardous fumes
• Coordination of welding activities with other trades to prevent interaction and overlapping work hazards

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for welders, boilermakers, metal fabricators, maintenance personnel, construction contractors and site supervisors overseeing electric and arc welding tasks.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace – Guidance on identifying and controlling electrical hazards associated with electric welding equipment.
• Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces – Relevant where welding is carried out at heights or on elevated work platforms.
• Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities – Requirements for ventilation, lighting and general workplace conditions during welding.
• Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace – Applicable to fumes, gases and hazardous substances generated during welding activities.
• Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks – Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment and implementation of controls within the SWMS.
• AS/NZS 1674.1 Safety in welding and allied processes – Fire precautions – Requirements for managing fire and explosion risks during hot work.
• AS/NZS 1674.2 Safety in welding and allied processes – Electrical – Guidance on electrical safety for welding equipment and operations.
• AS/NZS 60974 Arc welding equipment (series) – Performance and safety requirements for arc welding machines.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017