FREE Mig Welder SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) Template
Download our free Mig Welder SOP Template:
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Purpose of Document
Mig welder SOPs outline a safe operating procedure for mig welder use. Mig Welder SOPs can also be used as a training and induction document. The primary goal is to protect workers from injury or illness by outlining a safe system of work and providing adequate training and instruction. This form is broadly aligned with AS45001:2018.
How to Use
This Mig Welder SOP should be customised and communicated to workers before they complete the task. A hard copy can also be displayed in the workplace or provided at the workface. You can also use this document during the induction or onboarding process.
NOTE: This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that need to be considered include, but are not limited to, ensuring that:
- Relevant legal requirements have been met,
- Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
- Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.
When to Use
Workers should read and agree to comply with Mig Welder SOPs prior to operation within your business. They can also be used for refresher training periodically.
Who Should Use
Mig welder SOPs should be developed by a competent person. The SOP is then read and followed by the worker completing the task. New workers should also read and understand the SOPs during the induction or onboarding process.
Legal Considerations
There is no specific legal requirement to have a documented Safe Operating Procedure (SOP). However, it is best practice, as having SOPs can assist in meeting general legal duties, including:
- s(19)(3)c WHS Act – Duty to Provide Safe Systems of Work
- s(19)(3)d WHS Act – Duty to Ensure Safe Use of Plant
- s(19)(3)f WHS Act – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training, Instruction and Supervision
- s(39) WHS Regulations – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training, and Instruction
- s(203) WHS Regulations – Management of Risks to Health and Safety (PCBUs with management or control of plant)
The Code of Practice “Managing risks of plant in the workplace” states that employers (PCBUs) must provide workers with information, training, and instruction as necessary to protect them from risks arising from the use of the plant.
FAQ’s
What is a mig welder?
A MIG welder, or Metal Inert Gas welder, is a type of welding machine that uses a consumable wire electrode and an inert gas to create strong, durable welds.
What is a mig welder used for?
A MIG welder is used for joining metals together through a welding arc, commonly employed in manufacturing, construction, automotive repair, and metal fabrication.
What hazards are involved in using a mig welder?
Some hazards that are involved in mig welder use include:
- Electric shock
- UV radiation
- Burns
- Fumes and gases
What are some safety controls that can be utilised during mig welder use?
Some safety controls that can be utilised include:
- Wearing PPE
- Ensuring proper ventilation
- Maintaining a safe distance
- Regular maintenance
Did you know?
The MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welder, a cornerstone of modern welding technology, has a fascinating history. It originated in the 1940s during World War II when the need for a faster, more efficient welding method arose for military manufacturing. Pioneered by the Battelle Memorial Institute in the United States, the MIG welding process involved feeding a continuous solid wire electrode through a welding gun, along with an inert gas shield, to protect the weld pool from atmospheric contamination. This innovation revolutionized welding, offering higher productivity, cleaner welds, and versatility in joining various metals. Today, MIG welders are ubiquitous in industries ranging from automotive to construction, playing a vital role in fabricating structures, vehicles, and machinery.
Article Sources and Further Reading
- Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-managing-risks-plant-workplace>
- Plant (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/plant>
- The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/guide-to-whs-policies-and-procedures/>
- What is a PCBU? (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/what-is-a-pcbu/>