This Plasma and Oxy Cutting SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for handheld plasma, CNC table and oxy-fuel cutting, gouging and heating of steel and other metals. It covers 36 activities, from job planning and the hot work permit to fire watch, shutdown and emergency response, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
 
Who it's for
Metal fabricators and engineering workshops
Structural steel and boilermaking businesses
Profile cutting and CNC plasma shops
Maintenance and shutdown crews doing hot work
Demolition and scrap metal contractors
It also works as a written task risk assessment for any business where workers use plasma or oxy-fuel cutting equipment, the same way you'd use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
 
Use it to
Hand clients and principal contractors the SWMS they ask for
Apply for tenders and new jobs with your safety paperwork ready
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and run toolbox talks on the task
 
What this SWMS covers
Job planning, cold cutting alternatives and hot work permits with fire system isolation
Drums, tanks and pipework that held flammable substances, and cutting in confined spaces
Gas cylinder transport, storage and oxy-fuel set assembly with flashback arrestors
Lighting up, shutdown and oxygen enrichment from hydrocarbon contamination
Burns from flame, slag and molten metal during cutting, gouging and heating
Plasma set-up, consumable changes and electric shock from high open circuit voltage
Arc radiation and arc eye for operators and passing workers
CNC table set-up, loading, fault clearing and downdraught or water table management
Fume, ozone and nitrogen dioxide, plus coated metals, stainless steel and hexavalent chromium
Compressed air lines, noise, crane and magnet lifting and manual handling of plate
Hot offcuts, cutting at height, leads and RCDs, and PPE fit
Fire watch, housekeeping, shutdown and emergency response to burns, shock or explosion
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 36 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Plant and equipment list, materials, maintenance checks and the training each worker needs
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS 1674.1 for welding fire precautions and AS 4839 for oxy-fuel gas systems
Training notes for hot work permits, fire watch, consumable changes and respirator fit testing
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
 
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
 
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
 
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for plasma and oxy cutting?
A SWMS is legally required only when the job is high risk construction work, for example cutting where someone could fall more than 2 metres, in or near a confined space, or on or near fuel or chemical lines. Cutting in your own workshop isn't construction work, so a SWMS isn't mandatory there, but you still have to manage the risks and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients, head contractors and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it cover cutting drums and tanks?
Yes. It has a dedicated activity for drums, tanks, vessels or pipework that have held flammable or unknown substances, covering the explosion risk from flammable residue or vapour.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.