Method Statement - RAMS
ARC-MMA-Stick, MIG or TIG welding
Deon van Rooyen t/a All Metal Welding Services
www.AllMetalWeldingServices.co.uk
Mob: 07745 775 212

Site Address:   

Contractor:

Work Description:  ARC/MMA/Stick, MIG or TIG onsite welding

Equipment to be used: 

Full PPE to worn at all times. Fire extinguishers will be in place.
Welding Curtains to be used where necessary.
Deon van Rooyen  ECITB – 9129390298   Expires  28/09/2020
Health and Safety certificate  –   SAFETY PASSPORT – ECITB     

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Important Note

This document is a general risk assessment for welding works. This risk assessment should be reviewed fully by those persons engaged in welding operations and in the event that it is not sufficient to control the risk posed by the work in question then the user should include additional risk control measures and more specific information on the welding work in Part B below or the user can complete a new risk assessment.

Introduction

Depending on the type of welding used, hazards can include exposures to metal fumes and to ultraviolet (UV) radiation; include burns, eye damage, fire, the hazards associated with the use of compressed gases, electrical shock, cuts, manual handling injuries and crushed toes and fingers.

ARC – MMA - Stick Welding

Arc welding is a process which uses the concentrated heat of an electric arc to join metal by fusion of the parent metal and the addition of metal to joint usually provided by a consumable electrode. Either direct or alternating current may be used for the arc, depending upon the material to be welded and the electrode used.

MIG Welding

MIG welding is a process in which a continuous and consumable wire electrode and a shielding gas are fed through a welding torch/gun.

TIG Welding

TIG welding is an arc welding process that uses a tungsten electrode to produce the weld. The weld area is protected from atmospheric contamination by a shielding gas (usually an inert gas such as argon), and a filler metal welding rod is normally but not always use. 

Persons at Risk

Users of welding equipment and all persons working in the immediate vicinity are at risk if the equipment fails or safe working procedures are not followed.

Date of Assessment

Completed By

Risk Assessment

Probability Rating

Outcome Rating

Risk Rating

Likely

Harmful

Moderate Risk

Measures Required to Reduce Risk

General Welding Safety Guidelines

1.     Only approved experienced and trained staff may engage in welding operations. 

2.     All welding equipment must only be used as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

3.     Welding equipment must be serviced by a competent person. Manufacturer’s suggested intervals.

4.     Welding equipment must be visually inspected before each use and damaged units reported to the laboratory manager / supervisor. Damaged welding equipment must not be used until they have been examined by a competent person. Pay particular attention to gas lines and electrical cables.

5.     Always assess the immediate working area before starting any work. Remove all combustible materials within the immediate work area, if this is not possible, then cover same with a fire blanket. Whenever possible, welding should take place in a dedicated welding booth.

6.     Place ‘welding in progress’ signs beside work area, before starting any welding process outside of a dedicated welding booth.

7.     A fire extinguisher and fire blanket must always be available to the welder.

8.     When welding, the proper personal protective equipment must be used (see below). Users of such equipment must inspect it before use to ensure that it is not damaged in any way that would reduce its effectiveness.

9.     When welding in a confined, difficult or dangerous location, check that there is adequate ventilation.
Do not weld galvanised or coated materials in enclosed areas without good ventilation. (Fumes are harmful and could be contagious)

10.  Always consider the need for a post welding fire watch, especially when work has been carried out outside of a dedicated welding booth.

11.  Don’t weld material that has been degreased with solvents, unless it’s totally dry and area is well ventilated

12.  There must be sufficient space around the working area to allow the operator a free range of movement.

13.  There must be sufficient light to see the piece being worked clearly.

14.  Never leave active welding equipment unattended.

15.  Keep the floor of the working area free of oil and grease.

16.  Ensure that proper manual handling techniques are employed when manipulating work pieces and welding equipment

Electrical ARC-MMA-Stick, MIG or TIG Welding

1.     Always ensure that the power supply is maintained in an appropriate condition and that all live cables are suitable protected. Units which are damaged in any way must not be used as they represent a significant shock risk. Refer to UCD Risk Assessment UCDA19 Electricity (General) for details on electrical safety in the workplace.

2.     An appropriate face shield must always be worn.

3.     All exposed skin should be covered when ARC-MMA-Stick, MIG or TIG welding.

4.     A suitable flame-retardant apron or boiler suit must always be worn.

5.     Purpose made welding gloves must always be worn.

6.     Ensure that there are no nearby bystanders as they may be exposed to UV light. Always consider the use of welding curtains.

7.     If using a high frequency AC power source do not allow any person with a pacemaker to come within 2m of the unit or the weld site.

8.     All equipment must be properly earthed and insulated. Units with damaged insulation must not be used and must be removed from service.

9.     All cables and connections must be in good condition and securely attached.

10.  When welding in wet conditions, leads and couplings must be kept dry.

11.  When welding in wet or damp conditions an insulation mat must be used.

12.  Only approved cable couplings must be used.

13.  Electricity supply must be 110v from a transformer through a 32 amp socket. If 110v not available then 240v can be used through using a protection RCD plug.  

14.  Primary leads should be armoured and be as short as possible.

15.  Do not use shielding gases (Argon) in poorly ventilated areas.

Working in Confined Spaces
I will always have someone on watch to monitor any hazards or incidences which may occur.
Provision will be made for adequate ventilation and lighting in the working area.

Escape Plan
The area of work will be assessed and an adequate and safe plan will be worked out prior to work commencing for in the event of any accidents occurring to have a safe escape route to safety.
Gathering points will be discussed beforehand in the event of an emergency evacuation.

First Aid
Provisions for first aid will be in place in the event of any accidents occurring

Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers will be ready at hand in the event of any fires breaking out

Residual risk

(when all control measures have been implemented)

Probability Rating

Outcome Rating

Risk Rating

Unlikely

Harmful

Acceptable Risk

Residual risk acceptable

Yes

Revision History

Part B: Additional Information

Welding Details

Details of Use

Signature of Engineer carrying out the work