Product Overview

This Plasma Cutter Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for the safe use of plasma cutting equipment on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of plasma cutting operations to support WHS compliance and effective risk management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe set-up and operation of handheld plasma cutters in workshop and site environments
• Planning and conducting metal cutting by gas or plasma, including workpiece assessment and preparation
• Running a plasma cutter, including equipment start-up, shut-down, and emergency stop procedures
• Selection and inspection of plasma cutting equipment, hoses, leads, consumables, and associated tools
• Management of electrical risks, including use of RCDs, safe cable routing, and protection from damage
• Control of fire and explosion risks from sparks, hot slag, flammable materials, and compressed gases
• Ventilation and control of fumes, gases, and airborne contaminants generated during plasma cutting
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye, face, respiratory, hand, and body protection
• Safe handling, storage, and changeover of gas cylinders and regulators (where gas cutting is involved)
• Control of noise, vibration, and flying particles impacting workers and others in the vicinity
• Housekeeping, management of offcuts and hot materials, and maintaining clear egress paths
• Isolation of work areas, barricading, and signage to protect other workers and the public
• Emergency response procedures for burns, fire, electric shock, and equipment malfunction

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for metal fabricators, boilermakers, maintenance technicians, workshop operators, construction trades, and site supervisors overseeing plasma cutting and related hot work activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice – guidance on the safe use, maintenance, and guarding of plasma cutting plant
• Welding Processes Code of Practice – applicable to plasma cutting, hot work, fumes, and fire prevention controls
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice – where plasma cutting is undertaken at height or on elevated platforms
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice – controls for noise generated by plasma cutting operations
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice – safe handling of workpieces, plates, and equipment associated with plasma cutting
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice – ventilation, lighting, and general work environment requirements
• Safe Work Australia – Guidance on Welding Fumes – information on controlling exposure to fumes and airborne contaminants
• AS/NZS 1674.1 Safety in Welding and Allied Processes – Fire Precautions – requirements for hot work, fire watch, and ignition control
• AS/NZS 4836 Safe Working on or Near Low-Voltage Electrical Installations and Equipment – electrical safety when using powered plasma cutters
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment – guidance for appropriate respiratory protection
• AS/NZS 1337 Personal Eye Protection – requirements for eye and face protection against sparks and radiation
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017