Welding Operations

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP-WLD-001) outlines critical safety protocols for welding operations, addressing hazards such as arc eye, burns, and exposure to toxic fumes. It is designed for use by welders, supervisors, and safety personnel in the construction industry to ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations. Implementing this SOP minimizes risks and promotes a safer working environment during welding activities.

• Arc eye (photokeratitis) from arc flash exposure → painful eye injury
• Burns from molten metal, slag, hot workpiece, and electrical arc → severe burns
• Welding fumes (manganese, hexavalent chromium, ozone, nitrogen oxides) → respiratory disease, neurological damage, cancer
• Fire or explosion from sparks igniting combustibles or flammable atmospheres → fatality, asset loss
• Electric shock from welding equipment, especially in damp environments → fatality
• Compressed gas cylinder failure or fall — oxygen, acetylene, argon, CO2 → impact, asphyxiation, fire
• Asphyxiation in confined spaces from argon, CO2, or oxygen depletion → fatality
• Noise exposure from grinding, gouging, and chipping → hearing damage

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state/territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) — Part 3.1 Plant; Part 4.1 Noise; Part 4.5 Electrical safety; Part 7.1 Hazardous chemicals
• Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants (8-hour TWA) — Safe Work Australia
• AS/NZS 1554 series — Structural steel welding
• AS 1674.1 — Safety in welding and allied processes — Fire precautions
• AS 1674.2 — Safety in welding and allied processes — Electrical
• AS/NZS 1336 — Eye and face protection — Guidelines
• AS/NZS 1337 series — Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1338.1 — Filters for eye protectors — Filters for protection against radiation generated in welding
• AS 4839 — The safe use of portable and mobile oxy-fuel gas systems for welding, cutting, heating and allied processes
• AS 4603 — Flashback arresters — Safety devices for use with fuel gases and oxygen or compressed air
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Welding Processes
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Confined Spaces (where applicable)
• Hot Work Permit and Welding Pre-Start Checklist (associated documents)