Mig Welding Safe Work Method Statement

Mig Welding Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Mig Welding Safe Work Method Statement

Mig Welding Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to get on site to start work, looking to create a safe work environment or pitching for that next big contract or government tender - the Mig Welding Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and integrate into your current Safety Management System. If you don't have a Safety Management System, we need to talk, seriously, and you don't need to be carrying that level of risk exposure in your business - we can help.

Look, we understand that business should be rewarding and not consumed by tedious red tape. The Safe Work Method Statement Template we create is in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality documents in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you onsite, save you loads of time and are very user-friendly. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.

The Mig Welding Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the following Job Steps, including potential hazards, control measures and risk ratings:

  1. Planning and preparation
  2. Training and capabilities
  3. Assess onsite conditions
  4. Set up work area
  5. Temporary Traffic Control (TMP)
  6. Delivery of materials and equipment
  7. Preparation of work area
  8. Welding processes
  9. MIG welding, TIG welding & gas metal arc welding
  10. Working in hot conditions
  11. Use of automatic welding helmets
  12. Maintenance
  13. On completion

The Mig Welding Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


Risk Assessment Matrix | Hierarchy of Controls | PPE | Emergency Response

Your Mig Welding Safe Work Method Statement is ready to be used in three easy steps:

  1. Add your company logo and details to the SWMS Template.
  2. Identify site specific risks.
  3. Address any site specific risks and add them to your SWMS Template.

Your SWMS is now read to use, and may also be used as training materials for work related activities such as Workplace Inductions or WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

  1. Read the owner's manual, warning labels and relevant codes.
  2. Shield eyes and skin from UV light.
  3. Avoid breathing fumes.

Mig Welding Safe Work Method Statement

  • Detailed and pre-filled Mig Welding Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Immediate Download Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement Template.
  • Easy to use - no fuss customisation.
  • Referenced to AS/NZS (Standards) and Legislation. 
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View a Safe Work Method Statement Example

See an example of a Safe Work Method Statement Template below. All our SWMS Template documents are comprehensive in nature, easy to use, and are a huge time saver. Our Safe Work Method Statement Templates are quick and easy to customise to your specific business or operation and are perfectly suited for every day use, for larger contracts and tenders right through to qualifying for contractor management platforms such as CM3.

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A SWMS is a document that outlines the high-risk construction work activities that will be performed at a workplace, the hazards that will be present as a result of these activities, and the controls that will be implemented to mitigate the risks.

A single SWMS can be utilised for numerous high-risk construction work activities, such as employing powered mobile plant, working at heights of more than 2 metres, and working near to a road that is used by traffic other than pedestrians.

A SWMS is an administrative control that is used to support higher-order controls, such as engineering controls, that are designed to remove or reduce hazards to health and safety.

A SWMS differs from other documentation such as a Job Safety Analysis or a Safe Operating Procedure in that it focuses on specific jobs or processes. A SWMS isn't meant to be a procedure; rather, it's a tool for supervisors and workers to check and monitor the workplace control measures. For high-risk work activities, a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)  must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) or check that one has been prepared before starting work. It is important to note that before any work process has started, a SWMS must be prepared.

A PCBU, on the other hand, also must manage health and safety hazards by eliminating or reducing them as much as possible. Before beginning any work on a project, the principal contractor must also obtain a copy of the SWMS.

What information does a Safe Work Method Statement need to contain?

A Safe Work Method Statement should identify high-risk work and any specify hazards related to high-risk construction work as well as any health and safety risks. The SWMS should describe the risk-control measures to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed and also should describe how the risk-control measures will be effective at reducing or eliminating the risk, and how they will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

A Safe Work Method Statement should be concise and focus on outlining the specific risks identified for the high-risk work to be performed, as well as the control measures to be implemented to ensure that the work is completed safely.

A long and overly complex Safe Work Method Statement which could be difficult to comprehend, implement and monitor or review may be confusing for workers to mentally digest and therefore is not ideal in helping to reduce or eliminate risks in the workplace. It is imperative that workers, and especially those who do not speak English, are able to understand the Safe Work Method Statement. Consider having pictures or diagrams added to the SWMS as a more effective way of presenting information contained within the SWMS.

The SWMS should also contain other regulatory requirements to protect health and safety of all personnel, such as controlling noise exposure and manual job risks. Also, keep in mind that evidence of a completed risk assessment may be required by the regulator or for auditing reasons if the Safe Work Method Statement is based on a workplace-specific risk assessment.

Who's Responsible for creating the Safe Work Method Statement?

In collaboration with workers who will be directly engaged in the activity, the person responsible for carrying out the work is usually best equipped to prepare the SWMS document. In most cases, this means that a Safe Work Method Statement is created by the builder for his or her employees, or by the subcontractor for their employees.

To establish who is in the best position to prepare the Safe Work Method Statement, the principle contractor, builder, and/or subcontractors should decide who will take responsibility for the SWMS.

It's also a requirement that all managers, contractors, supervisors, and workers be involved in the creation of a Safe Work Method Statement. Workers must be consulted so that they understand the SWMS in depth and what they must do to establish and maintain risks and implement control measures to manage the risk. Sharing information and utilising workers' knowledge and experience may also aid in ensuring that the task is completed in accordance with the SWMS.

If your workplace has a Health and Safety Representative, they should also be contacted while creating a Safe Work Method Statement.

What does the principal contractor's responsibility entail?

Before beginning work, a principal contractor must take all reasonable steps to obtain a SWMS from any contractor performing high-risk work. If no SWMS exists, the principal contractor must arrange for one to be created, for example by the contractor or subcontractor.

A general contractor should establish plans to ensure that high-risk work is carried out safely and in compliance with the Safe Work Method Statement. This can be done by keeping an eye on how the SWMS is being implemented on the ground.

The principal contractors' WHS management plan must also include detailed arrangements for collecting, assessing, monitoring, and reviewing the SWMS, according to the WHS Regulations.

How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Mig Welding Safe Work Method Statement, the first step is to create the document as a Safe Work Method Statement Template. This way, you can use the same SWMS Template and then adjust the document for each different mig welding project as needed, making sure that your Mig Welding SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Mig Welding SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own mig welding SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Mig Welding SWMS such as:

  • Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Mig Welding SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications.
  • Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to mig welding work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the mig welding work is being conducted, secondly, communicate the risks and hazards and then take steps to eliminate or control each hazard in relation to the mig welding work being done.
  • Any changes added to the Mig Welding SWMS after an incident or a near miss.

Note: The Mig Welding SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the mig welding work is completed. Where the Mig Welding SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Mig Welding Safe Work MethodStatement, the Mig Welding SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Mig Welding Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as:

  • Does the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS involve a risk of a person falling more than 2 meters?
  • Is the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping?
  • Is the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS carried out on a telecommunication tower?
  • Is the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
  • Does the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing?
  • Is the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
  • Does the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS involve demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure?
  • Is the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
  • Does the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS involve, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos?
  • Does the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
  • Does the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse?
  • Is the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor?
  • Is the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS carried out in or near a confined space?
  • Is the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant?
  • Is the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m or tunnel involving use of explosives?
  • Is the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature?
  • Is the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
  • Does the mig welding work outlined in the Mig Welding SWMS involve diving work? 

Your Mig Welding Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as:

Your Mig Welding SWMS should also list any Personal Protective Equipment such as: 

  • Foot Protection - Boots or closed in shoes
  • Hand Protection - Gloves
  • Head Protection - Hard hat or helmet
  • Hearing Protection - Ear plugs or ear muffs
  • Eye Protection - Safety glasses, goggles or face shields
  • Respiratory Protection - Face masks etc
  • Face Protection - Face shield, welding mask etc
  • High Visual Clothing
  • Protective Clothing - Overalls etc
  • Fall Protection - Safety harness, edge protection etc
  • Sun Protection - Sunscreen, hat etc
  • Hair and Jewellery Secured - Hair Net, etc

The Mig Welding SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Mig Welding SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to mig welding work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Mig Welding and their health and safety representatives who represented that workgroup at the workplace.

When the Mig Welding SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

  1. All persons involved in the mig welding work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Mig Welding SWMS;
  2. Persons who will need to change a work procedure or system as a result of the review are advised of the changes in a way that will enable them to implement their duties consistently with the revised Mig Welding SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the mig welding work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Mig Welding SWMS.

When preparing your Mig Welding SWMS, here are some topics you might want to also include to ensure you have covered as many risks and hazards as possible.

Planning and Preparation When Working With and Around Mig Welding. 

When writing your Mig Welding SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Mig Welding in consultation with thePrincipal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish:

  • Health and Safety guidelines for mig welding work
  • Emergency plans and evacuation procedures for the Mig Welding SWMS
  • Worker inductions for Mig Welding
  • Toolbox talks (safety meetings) added to the Mig Welding SWMS
  • Outline details of supervision of the site and workers on the Mig Welding SWMS
  • Check all workers qualifications, permits and competencies for Mig Welding operations
  • Ensure the Mig Welding and any related equipment is functioning correctly
  • Hazard reporting procedures in place and added to the Mig Welding SWMS
  • Incident reporting procedures in place and added to the Mig Welding SWMS
  • Exclusion zones when conducting mig welding work
  • Risk Assessment for TASK completed and noted on the Mig Welding SWMS
  • Electrical NO GO ZONES identified, discussed and documented.

Assessment of Site Conditions 

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with mig welding and ensure that:

  1. A risk assessment of the mig welding work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct mig welding work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting mig welding work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Mig Welding SWMS details
  5. If conducting Mig Welding at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for mig welding work

Mig Welding Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Mig Welding as well as any qualifications that may be required for various mig welding projects before starting work. If White Cards are required, retain copies of all cards, licenses and qualifications of personnel.

All personnel must:

  1. Be trained and/or have received instructions on the Mig Welding SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Mig Welding operations and mig welding work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Mig Welding SWMS

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Mig Welding Safe Work Method Statement Template: 

  • Welding curtains must be provided around the areas where welding is to be carried out, for protecting other persons from flashes.
  • Restrict access into welding areas, and provide appropriate warning signs advising welding being carried out.
  • Wearing eye protection for protecting eyes from random flashes is recommended.
  • Unauthorised entry to welding areas must be restricted.
  • Serious injury to eyes and severe burns to unprotected skin can be caused by exposure to arc flash, since welding arc has high UV component.
  • Hot slag and molten metal from welding process can burn through normal clothing and cause burns.
  • For persons carrying out fabrication or production work, wearing specialised welders clothing is necessary.
  • Some metals such as galvanised steel, zinc, aluminum, etc.,release harmful fumes when being welded.
  • Exhaust ventilation or local fume extraction must be provided for preventing smoke and fumes from welding to escape into the atmosphere.
  • Supplied air respirator may be necessary in confined spaces or work areas.
  • Do not weld in wet areas. If unavoidable, use rubber-insulating mats.
  • Never attempt welding in damp or wet clothing.
  • For reducing eye damage from harmful levels of UV radiation and preventing injury from slag chips, use safety spectacle lenses made of polycarbonate.
  • Wearing of welding helmet is necessary.
  • Wearing foot and body protection is necessary.
  • When welding, it is recommended to wear cotton drill or woolen clothing.
  • Where atmospheric contamination may occur, respirator or dust mask must be worn.
  • For minimising spread of fumes, provide fume extraction system.
  • Provide insulating mats.
  • Wearing waterproof clothing and footwear is necessary in wet conditions.
  • Wearing eye protection is necessary.
  • Unshielded welding arcs tend to cause ray burns more readily than a shielded welding arc.
  • Gas bottles must be secured against falling and accidental damage.
  • Set the regulators properly and turn off the gas when not in use.
  • Some metals, such as galvanised steel, zinc, aluminium, etc., can release harmful fumes, when being welded.
  • The feed wire in this process has a protective flux, which does not require inert gas protection for the weld. In addition to normal metal fumes, the weld flux produces harmful smoke. Exhaust ventilation or local fume extraction must be provided for preventing the escape of fumes and smoke from welding into atmosphere.
  • Supplied air respirator may be necessary in confined spaces or work areas.
  • Wearing welding helmet, leather apron, gauntlets, apron and specialised welders' clothing is necessary.
  • Wearing eye protection is necessary.
  • Where atmospheric contaminants may be released, wearing respirator or dust mask is necessary.
  • For minimising spread of fumes, fume extraction system may have to be provided.
  • Unshielded welding arcs tend to cause ray burns more readily than a shielded welding arc.
  • Gas bottles must be secured against falling and accidental damage.
  • Set the regulators properly and turn off the gas when not in use.
  • Some metals, such as galvanised steel, zinc, aluminum, etc.,can release harmful fumes, when being welded.
  • In welding areas, provide local mechanical ventilation or adequate natural ventilation.
  • Welding fumes must be prevented from spreading into adjoining work areas.
  • Means of venting welding fumes and gases to outside of building must be provided.
  • Wearing welding helmet, leather apron, gauntlets, apron and specialised welders' clothing is necessary.
  • Wearing eye protection is necessary.
  • Where atmospheric contaminants may be released, wearing respirator or dust mask is necessary.
  • For minimising spread of fumes, fume extraction system may have to be provided.
  • Areas where hot work processes are carried out must have adequate mechanical or natural ventilation.
  • Areas where work is carried out must be provided with adequate supply of cool water.
  • In extreme conditions, apply work-rest regimes.
  • Wearing airflow welding helmet is necessary.
  • To reduce the temperature of the area where welding is carried out, provide cooling ventilation.
  • Helmets must be selected to be best suitable for the class of work being carried out.
  • Helmets should be fitted with shade 3-4 filter lens and cartridge for providing the required protection for the type of welding and amperage used.
  • Before use on non-solar powered cartridge helmets, check battery condition.
  • If switching time increases noticeably or if damaged, replace the cartridge.
  • Make sure to instruct all users in correct use of automatic welding helmets, and that safe operating instructions of the manufacturer are understood.
  • For production or heavy fabrication work, use fast switching time.
  • For protecting the auto lens, use a cover lens.
  • Make sure replacement parts are available.
  • Never use a faulty helmet.
  • All users must be provided with operating instructions for helmets.
  • Only a licensed electrical worker must carry out maintenance work on electrical equipment.

National: View the Model Codes of Practice for Excavation Work on Safe Work Australia's website here.
Victoria: Victoria's Code of Practice for Excavation Work may be viewed on Work Safe Victoria's website here.