MIG Welding — Safe Work Method Statement
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.
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MIG (GMAW) welding is not itself classified as High Risk Construction Work under the model WHS Regulations unless it is performed in a confined space, near flammable or explosive materials, or in conjunction with another HRCW activity. However, MIG welding on construction sites commonly involves all three of these contexts and a SWMS is routinely required by principal contractors for all hot work. A hot work permit must be issued in addition to the SWMS wherever welding is performed in areas with fire risk — any location other than a dedicated welding bay with fixed fire suppression.
No specific licence is required to perform MIG welding in Australia, but workers must be trained and assessed as competent in the welding process, the materials being welded, and the hazard management requirements. For structural welding — where the weld forms part of a load-bearing structural connection — welders must be tested and qualified to AS/NZS 2980 (Quality of welding) and the specific welding procedure specification (WPS) must be documented and followed. Structural welds on bridges and pressure equipment require more stringent qualification under AS 2885 (pipelines) and AS 1210 (pressure vessels).
Welding fume is the most significant chronic health hazard. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified welding fume as a Group 1 carcinogen (lung cancer) in 2017. The WHS Regulations' workplace exposure standard for welding fume (as total inhalable dust) is 1 mg/m³ TWA, a level that is regularly exceeded during manual MIG welding without adequate ventilation. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) positioned within 300 mm of the arc is the engineering control of choice; general ventilation alone is not sufficient in enclosed areas. Stainless steel MIG welding generates hexavalent chromium fume — a more potent carcinogen with a WES of 0.01 mg/m³ — and requires enhanced LEV and respiratory protection as a minimum.
Customise this template by documenting the materials to be welded, the fume extraction method, the hot work permit reference, the fire watch arrangements, and the welder's qualifications for structural work.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Area in which there is any movement of powered mobile plant
Risk Assessment
1.Work area preparation and fire prevention
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire or explosion from ignition of flammable materials | Catastrophic | Hot work permit obtained. Remove or shield all flammable materials within 10 m of welding area. Fire extinguisher and fire blankets within reach. Fire watch maintained for 30 minutes after welding ceases. Inspect for smouldering materials. | Low | Welder / Site Supervisor |
| Welding sparks igniting combustibles in adjacent areas | High | Welding screens/curtains erected to contain spatter. Wet down timber floors and combustible surfaces. Cover floor penetrations with fire-rated material. | Low | Welder |
2.Equipment inspection and set-up
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric shock from damaged welding equipment | Catastrophic | Inspect welder, leads and torch before use. Check for damaged insulation, cracked connectors. Use RCD-protected power supply. Do not use damaged equipment — tag out and report. Earth clamp secured to workpiece. | Low | Welder |
| Shielding gas cylinder falling and causing injury or valve damage | High | Cylinders secured in approved stand or chained to fixed structure. Valve cap on when not in use. Trolley used when moving cylinders. No cylinders near sources of heat. | Low | Welder |
3.Welding operations
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eye injury from UV radiation (arc eye) to bystanders | High | Welding screens erected around work area. Warning signs posted. Bystanders to not look at arc. All workers within 10 m to wear appropriate eye protection. | Low | Welder / Site Supervisor |
| Respiratory exposure to welding fume | High | Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to capture fume at source where possible. Ensure adequate general ventilation. Welding fume respirator worn at all times. No welding in confined spaces without continuous forced air ventilation. | Low | Welder |
| Burns from hot metal or spatter | Moderate | Full leather PPE worn. Allow workpiece to cool before handling — use temperature stick or infrared thermometer. Mark hot metal with "HOT" chalk. Do not hold workpiece with bare hands. | Low | Welder |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.