Product Overview

This Hot Work Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a fully editable, project-ready document designed to identify, assess, and control the risks associated with welding, cutting, grinding, and other heat-producing tasks on Australian worksites. It delivers comprehensive coverage of all key stages of hot work operations to support strong WHS compliance and safer outcomes for workers and contractors.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and authorisation of hot work, including hot work permits and pre-start risk assessments
• Selection, inspection, and safe use of welding, cutting, and grinding equipment
• Management of ignition sources and control of combustible and flammable materials in and around the work area
• Use of fire-resistant screens, barriers, and spark containment methods to protect nearby workers and property
• Ventilation controls to manage fumes, smoke, and airborne contaminants generated by hot work
• Selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye, face, hand, and respiratory protection
• Safe handling and storage of gas cylinders, fuel containers, and associated hoses and regulators
• Emergency preparedness for fire, explosion, and burn injuries, including fire extinguisher use and evacuation procedures
• Housekeeping practices to prevent accumulation of flammable waste, grinding dust, and offcuts
• Hot work in confined or restricted spaces, including additional atmospheric and fire risk controls
• Coordination of hot work near other trades, plant, and public areas to minimise exposure to sparks, noise, and fumes
• Post-work inspections, fire watch responsibilities, and sign-off to ensure no residual fire risk remains

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for welders, boilermakers, fabricators, maintenance teams, construction contractors, and site supervisors responsible for managing hot work activities on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing the Risk of Fire and Explosion at the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling fire and explosion hazards, including those created by hot work
• Welding Processes Code of Practice: Requirements and recommended controls for welding and allied hot work processes
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Controls for flammable gases, liquids, and other hazardous chemicals used during hot work
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Risk management for noise generated by grinding, cutting, and related activities
• AS 1674.1 Safety in welding and allied processes – Fire precautions: Requirements for preventing fire and explosion during welding and allied processes
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment: Guidance for respiratory PPE where fumes and gases are generated by hot work
• AS/NZS 1337 Eye and face protectors for occupational applications: Requirements for eye and face protection during welding, cutting, and grinding