Guidance about welding and other hot work

Hot work includes activities such as welding, cutting and grinding that produce hot metal, radiant heat and sparks.

Hot work is typically well controlled within dedicated work areas such as workshops. However, maintenance and service work may need to be done in a variety of settings away from a workshop, which can introduce risk factors such as:

• proximity of combustible material to work
• proximity of other personnel to work
• weather conditions, particularly wind velocity and temperature
• inappropriate work practices
• inadequate or inaccessible fire-fighting resources.

Without a spotter, the person undertaking the hot work may not notice spot fires, which can quickly escalate and may have serious consequences.

Refer to Part 2 of the Mineral exploration drilling - code of practice below for a discussion of hot work in remote areas and possible risk controls.

Risks associated with welding

Welding is hazardous when done:

• in a hazardous location
• with damaged or unsuitable tools and equipment
• without the correct personal protective equipment (PPE)
• using incorrect welding materials or procedures.

Serious injuries, illness or death can be caused by:

• electric shock from contact with live components
• radiation burns to the eyes or body due to the welding arc
• body burns from weld splatter or hot metal
• exposure to fire or explosions
• inhalation of fumes from the welding rod or surface being welded
• contact with noxious process materials in the work area.

Guidance

Safe work practices need to cover:

• the welding equipment
• welding process
• wet or humid locations and confined spaces
• maintenance.

The mine safety matters welding pamphlet below covers primarily arc electrical welding, the hazards, what can happen and safe work practices.

Mines Safety Bulletin 117 Preventing electric shocks during welding discusses the importance of understanding the welding electrical circuit and how to maintain a safe current path.

There are Australian Standards for safety in welding and allied processes that address electrical and fire safety:

• AS 1674.2 Safety in welding and allied processes - Electrical specifies safety requirements for arc welding and allied processes, to prevent electric shock and minimize associated hazards.
• AS 1674.1 Safety in welding and allied processes - Fire precautions specifies precautions to be taken prior to and during hot work (including welding and allied processes), to prevent the possibility of fire or explosion.

Further guidance is available from the Welding Technology Institute of Australia (WTIA):

• Technical Note No. 7 Health and safety in welding
• Technical Note No. 22 Welding electrical safety.

Toolbox presentations

The following presentations can be used at toolbox meetings to discuss arc welding hazards and safeguards.

Are you a tradesperson transporting oxy-acetylene or propane? Transporting welding and cutting gases discusses safety tips to keep in mind.