Product Overview

This Soldering Iron Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-level procedures, risk controls and safety requirements for using soldering irons and associated soldering equipment on site. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of soldering operations to support robust WHS compliance and effective risk management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe setup, operation and shutdown of electric soldering irons in workshop and site environments
• Selection and inspection of soldering irons, tips, stands and power leads prior to use
• Operation of metal soldering machines, including guarding, interlocks and emergency stop procedures
• Performing manual soldering on benches and at height, with controls for burns, fume exposure and fire risk
• Soldering of wiring ends and terminations in electrical panels, control boxes and field installations
• Soldering of pipework and fittings, including preparation, heating, jointing and cooling procedures
• Management of soldering fumes, ventilation and respiratory protection to minimise inhalation risks
• Handling and storage of solder, fluxes and cleaning chemicals, including hazardous substances controls
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye protection, heat-resistant gloves and protective clothing
• Fire prevention and control measures, including hot work precautions, exclusion zones and fire extinguishers
• Electrical safety for soldering equipment, power boards and extension leads, including RCD use and testing
• Housekeeping, management of hot work areas and safe cooling, storage and disposal of soldering tools and waste
• Emergency response procedures for burns, electric shock, smoke, fire and exposure to fumes

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for electricians, electronics technicians, plumbers, HVAC trades, manufacturing and assembly workers, and site supervisors overseeing soldering 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 Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on safe use, handling and storage of fluxes, solvents and other hazardous substances used in soldering
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for ventilation, workspace layout and amenities where soldering is undertaken
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Risk management framework applied to soldering, hot work and electrical hazards
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on first aid facilities and response for burns, electric shock and fume exposure
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Relevant provisions for safe electrical supply and use of portable soldering equipment
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment: Where respiratory protection is required for soldering fumes
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal Eye Protection: Selection and use of eye protection against hot metal, solder splashes and flying particles