Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is specifically developed for Oxy-Acetylene Cutting and Thermal Lancing, providing a structured approach to identifying hazards and implementing effective controls. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of hot works, helping you demonstrate WHS compliance and robust risk management on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe setup, connection, and leak testing of oxy-acetylene and fuel gas cylinders prior to hot works
• Selection, inspection, and maintenance of blowtorches, cutting nozzles, regulators, and associated equipment
• Safe blowtorch usage for heating, loosening components, and general hot work applications
• Thermal cutting of steel and other metals, including preparation, positioning, and controlled cutting techniques
• Use of a cutting torch for straight, bevel, and profile cutting while maintaining safe distances and clear work zones
• Operation of thermal lancing equipment for heavy-duty cutting, piercing, and demolition tasks
• Use of open flame devices in confined, partially enclosed, or restricted areas with appropriate ventilation controls
• Management of ignition sources, sparks, and hot slag to prevent fire spread and damage to surrounding structures
• Implementation of hot work permits, fire watches, and isolation of flammable and combustible materials
• Use of flashback arrestors, non-return valves, and correct shutdown procedures to prevent flashbacks and explosions
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) for hot works, including eye, face, hand, body, and respiratory protection
• Emergency response procedures for burns, fires, gas leaks, and equipment failure during oxy-acetylene and thermal lancing operations

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for boilermakers, welders, metal fabricators, demolition contractors, maintenance teams, and site supervisors overseeing oxy-acetylene cutting, blowtorch work, and thermal lancing activities.

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 risks associated with welding, cutting, and allied hot work processes.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Applicable where cutting and lancing are undertaken at height or on elevated work platforms.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Relevant to noisy thermal cutting and lancing operations.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Covers storage, handling, and use of fuel gases and associated chemicals.
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance for first aid arrangements for burns, eye injuries, and other hot work-related incidents.
• AS 4839: The safe use of portable and mobile oxy-fuel gas systems for welding, cutting, heating and allied processes.
• AS/NZS 1674.1: Safety in welding and allied processes – Fire precautions.
• AS/NZS 1674.2: Safety in welding and allied processes – Electrical.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017