Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured, step-by-step approach to managing the risks associated with electric arc, MIG, TIG and spot welding activities, helping your business maintain strong WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Electric Welding Arc MIG TIG and Spot Welding, from equipment setup and operation through to clean-up and post-weld inspection.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe setup, operation and shutdown of electric welders across a range of welding processes
• Risk controls for manual arc welding, including electrode handling, leads management and earthing
• Safe use of MIG welders and gas metal arc welding, including shielding gas management and wire feed systems
• Controls for flux core welding, including fume generation, slag removal and hot work management
• Procedures for TIG and gas tungsten arc welding on metal components, including torch handling and gas flow control
• Use of metal resistance welding machines, including clamping, current settings and guarding of pinch points
• Safe operation of metal shielded metal arc welding machines, including cable routing and prevention of electric shock
• Performing spot welds and operating pin welding machines, including positioning of workpieces and control of heat and pressure
• Integration and safe operation of cobot welding systems, including exclusion zones, interlocks and emergency stop functions
• Selection, use and maintenance of appropriate PPE, including PAPR welding helmets, gloves, clothing and eye protection
• Flash protection safety, including welding screens, signage and controls to prevent arc-eye to nearby workers and the public
• Management of welding fumes, gases and ventilation to minimise respiratory exposure and fire/explosion risk
• Fire prevention and hot work controls, including removal of combustibles, fire watch and fire extinguisher requirements
• Housekeeping and cleanup after welding, including disposal of spatter, slag, offcuts and used consumables
• Inspection, tagging and maintenance of welding equipment, leads, clamps and accessories prior to use

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for boilermakers, metal fabricators, welding contractors, manufacturing facilities, automotive and repair workshops, and site supervisors overseeing welding operations on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Welding Processes Code of Practice: Guidance on managing health and safety risks associated with welding and allied processes.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Controls for welding fumes, shielding gases and associated hazardous chemicals.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Requirements for noise assessment and hearing protection during welding and grinding.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Applicable where welding is carried out at height or on elevated work platforms.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on electrical safety for electric welders and associated equipment.
• AS/NZS 1674.1 Safety in Welding and Allied Processes – Fire Precautions: Requirements for hot work, fire prevention and control during welding.
• AS/NZS 1674.2 Safety in Welding and Allied Processes – Electrical: Requirements for electrical safety of welding equipment and installations.
• AS/NZS 1337.1 Personal Eye Protection: Selection and use of eye protection against welding light and mechanical hazards.
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment: Guidance on respiratory protection for welding fumes and gases.
• AS/NZS 2161 Occupational Protective Gloves: Selection of appropriate hand protection for welding tasks.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017