Oxy-Acetylene SWMS

Product Description

Oxy-Acetylene SWMS is a professionally developed Safe Work Method Statement for Australian plumbing, construction and maintenance contractors undertaking oxy-acetylene heating, brazing, soldering and cutting activities. Supplied in editable Microsoft Word format, this document helps businesses plan, communicate and document safe work procedures while supporting straightforward site-specific customisation before work begins.

Working with oxy-acetylene equipment introduces significant hazards including fire, explosion, burns, hazardous gases, hot work and compressed gas cylinders. Careful planning, equipment inspections and safe cylinder handling are essential to minimise risks while maintaining safe and efficient operations. This SWMS provides a structured framework covering the complete work sequence from site preparation and equipment inspection through hot work, housekeeping and cylinder storage.

Suitable for residential, commercial, industrial and construction projects, this document assists contractors in implementing practical risk controls while maintaining consistent WHS documentation for oxy-acetylene operations.

Typical Applications

Suitable for projects involving:

• Oxy-acetylene brazing.
• Silver soldering.
• Pipe heating.
• Pipe cutting.
• Plumbing installations.
• Plumbing repairs.
• Maintenance work.
• Commercial construction.
• Industrial maintenance.

Work Activities Covered

Depending on the selected work method, the SWMS may include:

• Site inductions and pre-start planning.
• Work area assessment and exclusion zones.
• Transporting gas cylinders and equipment.
• Inspection of cylinders, hoses and regulators.
• Securing cylinders on approved trolleys.
• Setting up oxy-acetylene equipment.
• Lighting and operating the handpiece.
• Hot work and brazing activities.
• Handling hazardous substances.
• Manual handling of cylinders and equipment.
• Housekeeping and completion of work.
• Storage of gas cylinders and equipment.

Hazards Addressed

This SWMS addresses hazards commonly associated with oxy-acetylene operations, including:

• Fire and explosion.
• Burns from hot work.
• Gas leaks.
• Hazardous substance exposure.
• Manual handling injuries.
• Crush and impact hazards.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Cylinder handling hazards.
• Environmental contamination.
• Asphyxiation risks associated with incorrect cylinder storage.
• Property damage.

Control Measures Included

The document assists businesses by documenting practical control measures such as:

• Completing pre-start planning and confirming worker competency before work commences.
• Establishing exclusion zones around hot work activities.
• Inspecting gas cylinders, hoses, flashback arrestors and handpieces before use.
• Securing oxygen and acetylene cylinders upright on approved bottle trolleys.
• Using a flint igniter to light the handpiece and never using cigarette lighters or other ignition sources.
• Keeping suitable fire extinguishers readily available during hot work.
• Removing combustible materials from the work area before lighting the torch.
• Following Safety Data Sheets (SDS) when handling oxygen, acetylene, silver solder and flux.
• Extinguishing the flame and isolating gas supplies whenever equipment is unattended.
• Storing oxygen and acetylene cylinders upright in ventilated storage areas with appropriate separation distances.

Plant & Equipment

Depending on the selected work method, plant and equipment may include:

• Oxy-acetylene equipment.
• Gas cylinder trolley.
• Fire extinguisher.

Personal Protective Equipment

The documented activity references PPE including:

• Hard hat.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Safety boots.
• Safety glasses.
• Gloves.
• Hearing protection.

Document Features

• Editable Microsoft Word format.
• Suitable for Australian plumbing, construction and maintenance projects.
• Logical work sequence from planning through completion.
• Hazard identification and practical control measures.
• Worker responsibilities and competency requirements.
• Easy to customise for individual projects and site conditions.
• Suitable for integration into broader WHS management systems.

Who This SWMS Is For

Suitable for:

• Licensed plumbers.
• Gas fitters.
• Plumbing contractors.
• Construction contractors.
• Maintenance contractors.
• Principal contractors coordinating hot work activities.

Australian WHS Requirements

Oxy-acetylene work should be reviewed before work commences to ensure the SWMS reflects the planned work methods, equipment, hazardous substances, hot work requirements and project-specific hazards. Additional permits and controls may be required depending on the work environment, surrounding combustible materials and site-specific hot work procedures.

Why Choose Tradies Compliance?

Tradies Compliance develops professionally written SWMS templates that are practical, easy to customise and suitable for Australian construction businesses. Delivered in editable Microsoft Word format, our documents help streamline project preparation while supporting consistent WHS management for hot work, gas equipment and plumbing activities.