Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00419:body:0:p3
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00419
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 5156–8138

arcs, electric resistance, lasers, electron beams, friction, molten metal baths and ultrasound. Welding includes joining methods as diverse as fusion welding, forge welding, friction welding, braze welding, brazing, soldering and explosion welding. Welding is a potentially hazardous activity and precautions are required to avoid electrocution, fire and explosion, burns, electric shock, vision damage, inhalation of poisonous gases and fumes, and exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation.

1.2 Who has health and safety duties in relation to welding?
A person conducting a business or undertaking has the primary duty to ensure, so far as
is reasonably practicable, that workers and other persons are not exposed to health and safety risks arising from the business or undertaking.
A person conducting a business or undertaking that carries out welding activities must eliminate risks arising from welding, or if that is not reasonably practicable, minimise the risks so far as
is reasonably practicable.
The WHS Regulations include more specific requirements to manage the risks of hazardous chemicals, airborne contaminants and plant, as well as other hazards associated with welding
such as noise and manual tasks.
Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of plant or substances used in welding must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the plant or substance is without risks to health and safety. This duty includes carrying out testing and analysis as well as providing specific information about the plant or substance.
Officers, such as company directors, have a duty to exercise due diligence to ensure that the business or undertaking complies with the WHS Act and Regulations. This includes taking reasonable steps to ensure that the business or undertaking has and uses appropriate resources and processes to eliminate or minimise risks that arise from welding.
Workers have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and must not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons. Workers must comply with any reasonable instruction and co-operate with any reasonable policy or procedure relating to health and safety
at the workplace. If personal protective equipment is provided by the person conducting the business or undertaking, the worker must use it in accordance with the information, instruction
and training provided.

1.3 What is required to manage risks associated with welding processes?
The WHS Regulations require a person conducting a business or undertaking to 'manage risks' associated with specific hazards, including noise, hazardous chemicals, confined spaces, plant and electricity.

Regulation 32-38: In order to manage risk under the WHS Regulations, a duty holder must:
    * identify reasonably foreseeable hazards that could give rise to the risk
    * eliminate the risk so far as is reasonably practicable

    * if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk,minimise the risk