Welding & Hot Work SWMS Templates
SWMS for welding, cutting, grinding and other hot work activities that introduce an ignition source and associated fire and fume risks.
Welding and hot work activities introduce two primary categories of risk on construction sites: fire and explosion from the ignition of combustible materials, and health risks from exposure to welding fumes, UV radiation and noise. While hot work is not independently defined as HRCW under WHS Regulations Schedule 3 in all circumstances, it commonly occurs in conjunction with HRCW activities and always requires systematic hazard management.
Work covered by this category includes arc welding (MIG, TIG, MMA), oxy-acetylene cutting and welding, plasma cutting, angle grinder operations, soldering and brazing, and any other process generating heat, spark or flame.
A hot work permit must be issued by the site supervisor before any welding or hot work commences. The permit specifies the location, duration, fire watch requirements and the isolation of any fire suppression systems in the work zone. A fire watch — a dedicated person with a fire extinguisher who monitors for ignition during and for at least 30–60 minutes after hot work — is mandatory whenever combustible materials are within the zone or cannot be removed.
The SWMS must document fume extraction requirements (natural or mechanical ventilation, LEV systems), respiratory protective equipment for metal fumes and ozone (minimum P2 for general welding; specific RPE for stainless steel, galvanised or coated materials), UV-protective clothing and face shields, and the management of compressed gas cylinders including securing, storage separation and flashback arrestor installation on oxy-fuel equipment.
MIG Welding
Safe Work Method Statement for MIG (Metal Inert Gas / GMAW) welding operations on construction sites and in workshops. Applicable to welding of mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium using gas-shielded wire feed process.
TIG Welding
Safe Work Method Statement for Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding operations, including setup, operation, and post-work procedures in compliance with Australian WHS regulations.
Oxy-Acetylene Cutting
Safe Work Method Statement for oxy-acetylene cutting operations including cylinder handling, equipment setup, cutting procedures, and post-work shutdown in compliance with Australian WHS legislation and AS 4839.
Angle Grinding
Safe Work Method Statement for angle grinding operations including cutting, grinding, and surface preparation using handheld and bench-mounted angle grinders, in compliance with Australian WHS legislation and AS/NZS 4024.
Arc Welding (MMA / MMAW)
Safe Work Method Statement for Manual Metal Arc (MMA/MMAW) stick welding operations including site preparation, electrode handling, active welding, and post-weld activities in compliance with Australian WHS legislation.
Plasma Cutting
Safe Work Method Statement for plasma arc cutting operations including equipment setup, active cutting, and post-work procedures, in compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant Australian Standards.