Welding & Hot Work SWMS
Arc welding, gas cutting, grinding, brazing, and hot work permits
Welding & Hot Work Complete Pack
8 documents — everything you need for welding & hot work compliance.
Not sure your current documents are compliant? Run the free WHS compliance check →
Welding and hot work are specifically classified as high-risk construction work under WHS Regulations s.291 when performed in areas where flammable or combustible substances are present, or where there is a risk of fire or explosion.
Our welding SWMS pack covers 8 activities including MIG/MAG welding, TIG welding, arc welding, oxy-acetylene gas cutting, grinding, brazing, and hot work permit procedures. Documents address critical hazards including UV radiation and arc eye, welding fume inhalation, fire and explosion risk, burns from hot metal and slag, electric shock from welding equipment, and compressed gas cylinder hazards.
Key Hazards Covered
- UV radiation and arc eye injuries
- Welding fume inhalation (manganese, chromium, zinc)
- Fire and explosion from hot work near combustibles
- Burns from hot metal, slag and sparks
- Electric shock from welding equipment
- Compressed gas cylinder hazards
Relevant Australian Standards
- AS/NZS 1554 Structural steel welding
- AS/NZS 1674 Safety in welding (Parts 1-2)
- AS 4839 Safe handling of compressed gases
- AS/NZS 1337.1 Eye and face protectors
Individual Documents — $67.96 each
Welding & Hot Work SWMS — Common Questions
Do welders need SWMS on construction sites?
Yes. Hot work including welding, gas cutting, and grinding is high-risk construction work when performed in areas with flammable or combustible substances — which applies to virtually all construction sites. A SWMS and hot work permit are both typically required.
What welding types are covered?
Our pack covers MIG/MAG, TIG, manual metal arc (stick), oxy-acetylene gas cutting, brazing, and grinding — each with process-specific hazard controls including fume extraction, UV protection, and fire prevention.
Is a hot work permit template included?
Our hot work SWMS includes the hot work permit process covering fire risk assessment, fire watch requirements, combustible material clearance, fire extinguisher placement, and post-work monitoring procedures.
Do I need a SWMS for welding and hot work in Victoria?
Victoria is not part of the national WHS scheme, but it still requires a SWMS-equivalent for high risk construction work under the OHS Regulations 2017 (Vic). The content requirements are substantively the same, but your documents must cite Victorian law (Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) and OHS Regulations 2017 (Vic)) rather than the WHS Regulations.
When does welding or hot work need a SWMS under WHS Regulations s.291?
A SWMS is only required when the work is high risk construction work defined in WHS Regulations s.291, not for welding in itself. Welding inside a tank, vessel or pit can trigger a SWMS as confined space work under s.291(f), and welding near an energised electrical installation can trigger it under s.291(k). Where it applies, the SWMS must be prepared before the work starts under s.299.
Do I need a welding SWMS for a small residential hot work job?
It depends on the work, not the size of the job. A SWMS is required only when the task is high risk construction work defined in WHS Regulations s.291, so a small job that involves confined space welding under s.291(f) or work near an energised electrical installation under s.291(k) still needs one, while a basic weld that does not meet any s.291 category does not. Our editable welding SWMS template covers fire watch, combustible clearance and fume controls so you can adapt it to your site.
Last updated: March 2026