Welding & Fabrication Method Statement Template 2026
Create OHSA-compliant welding & fabrication method statements for South African tenders. Covers MIG/MAG welding, TIG welding, Arc welding (SMAW), and more.
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OHSA Compliant
Meets Construction Regulations 2014 and OHSA Construction Regulations 2014 requirements.
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What's Included in a Welding & Fabrication Method Statement
Standard Sections
- Welding Process Selection
- Material Preparation
- Welding Sequence
- Preheat and Interpass Temperature
- Quality Control Measures
- NDT Requirements
- Fire Prevention Measures
- Safety Precautions
Common Activities Covered
- MIG/MAG welding
- TIG welding
- Arc welding (SMAW)
- Oxy-acetylene cutting
- Plasma cutting
- Grinding and finishing
- Steel fabrication
- Pipe welding
Welding & Fabrication Hazards & Safety Requirements
Common Hazards
- •Burns from hot metal and sparks
- •Eye damage from UV radiation
- •Inhalation of welding fumes
- •Electric shock
- •Fire and explosion
- •Noise exposure
- •Musculoskeletal strain
- •Confined space hazards
Required PPE
- •Welding helmet (auto-darkening)
- •Welding gloves (leather)
- •Flame-resistant clothing
- •Safety boots (steel toe)
- •Respiratory protection
- •Hearing protection
- •Safety glasses (for grinding)
Applicable Regulations & Standards
CIDB Classes applicable: ME, GB
Welding & Fabrication Method Statements in South Africa
Welding and fabrication in South Africa is governed by SANS 2001-CS1 (structural steelwork), SANS 44 (welder qualification), and the OHSA General Machinery Regulations for pressurised equipment. Government tenders for structural steel, pipeline, and pressure vessel work require detailed Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) qualified per SANS 44 or AWS D1.1, along with proof that all welders hold valid coded welder certificates. The South African Institute of Welding (SAIW) is the primary certification body, and SAIW qualifications are referenced in most government tender requirements. CIDB classes CS (Structural Steelwork) and ME (Mechanical Engineering) cover different welding applications. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) must be performed by SANAS-accredited operators per SANS 17024. For pressure equipment, the Pressure Equipment Regulations under OHSA require that all welding is pre-qualified and that NDT is performed per the applicable vessel code (SANS 347 for classification, ASME VIII Div 1 or PD 5500 for design).
Method Statement Writing Tips for Welding & Fabrication
Tip 1: Reference your WPS by number for each weld type — assessors will cross-reference against your PQR (Procedure Qualification Record) to verify qualification
Tip 2: Specify NDT methods per joint type: 100% visual all welds, UT or RT for full-penetration butt welds, MT or PT for fillet welds per SANS 2001-CS1 Table E.1
Tip 3: Detail pre-heat and interpass temperature control — for structural steel >25mm thick, preheat per SANS 2001-CS1 Table D.1 is mandatory
Tip 4: Include your weld repair procedure: how defects are gouged, re-prepared, re-welded, and re-inspected. The repair procedure must be equally controlled
Tip 5: For site welding, specify weather protection: wind shields for MIG/TIG (max 2m/s air speed at weld zone), heating for cold weather (<5°C steel temp requires preheat)
Common Mistakes in Welding & Fabrication Method Statements
Using a WPS that hasn't been qualified with a PQR for the actual material combination and thickness range used on the project
Not verifying welder certifications cover the required welding positions — a welder coded for flat (1G) cannot weld overhead (4G)
Omitting preheat requirements for thick sections or high-strength steel — this causes hydrogen-induced cracking that may not show up until weeks later
Using generic NDT acceptance criteria instead of the standard specified in the contract (SANS 11666 vs AWS D1.1 have different acceptance levels)
Failing to maintain weld maps and NDT traceability — every weld must be uniquely numbered and traceable to the welder, WPS, and NDT report
Key Legislation for Welding & Fabrication Method Statements
| Regulation / Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| SANS 2001-CS1 | Structural steelwork fabrication and erection — covers welding procedures, welder qualification, NDT requirements (Table E.1), tolerances, and material specifications for SA construction. |
| SANS 44 (ISO 9606-1) | Qualification testing of welders — defines test requirements for manual and semi-automatic welding by process, material, thickness, and position. Certificates valid for 2 years with continuous employment. |
| Pressure Equipment Regulations (OHSA) | All welding on pressure equipment must use pre-qualified WPS. NDT per the applicable vessel code. SANAS-accredited inspection body must approve the manufacturer's quality plan. |
| SANS 347 | Categorisation and conformity assessment of pressure equipment — classifies equipment into hazard categories determining the level of third-party inspection and certification required. |
Welding & Fabrication Method Statement FAQ
What is the difference between WPS and PQR?
Do all welders need coded certificates for government tenders?
What NDT is required for structural steel connections?
What CIDB class covers welding and fabrication?
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