Product Overview

This Heat Gun Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards and implement effective controls when using heat guns and similar hot work equipment, helping your team maintain strong WHS compliance on site. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of safe heat gun operation, from preparation and setup through to shutdown and emergency response.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe setup, inspection, and operation of heat guns and blowtorches in a variety of work environments
• Selection of appropriate nozzles, temperature settings, and accessories to minimise fire and burn risks
• Management of ignition sources and hot work areas, including separation from combustible materials
• Use of heat guns and blowtorches near flammable liquids, gases, and vapours, including required exclusion zones
• Control of fumes, smoke, and airborne contaminants generated by heating paints, plastics, adhesives, or coatings
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for eyes, hands, respiratory protection, and fire-retardant clothing
• Safe techniques for stripping paint, softening adhesives, shrinking tubing, and other common heat gun applications
• Electrical safety checks, including inspection of cords, plugs, and power sources before use
• Housekeeping controls for managing hot materials, offcuts, and waste to prevent smouldering and fire outbreaks
• Emergency procedures for burns, fires, and equipment failure, including first aid and fire extinguisher use
• Training, supervision, and permit-to-work considerations where heat guns and blowtorches are used as hot work
• Safe shutdown, cooling, storage, and maintenance of heat guns and blowtorches after use

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for painters, electricians, maintenance technicians, construction workers, shopfitters, and site supervisors responsible for any work involving heat guns or blowtorches.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Risk of Fire and Explosions at the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling ignition sources and flammable atmospheres when using heat guns and blowtorches
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements where flammable or hazardous substances may be present
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling risks associated with hot work
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Applicable where powered equipment contributes to overall site noise exposure
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on first aid arrangements for burns and other heat-related injuries
• AS/NZS 4836: Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment: Relevant where heat guns are used near electrical equipment or installations
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves: Selection of appropriate hand protection against heat and mechanical risks
• AS/NZS 1337: Personal eye protection: Requirements for eye protection against heat, sparks, and flying particles
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices: Selection and use of respirators where fumes or smoke may be generated
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017