Product Overview

Summary: This Backflow Prevention Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps to prevent contaminated water flowing back into potable water systems. It helps Australian workplaces protect workers, customers and the public, while demonstrating due diligence with plumbing, health and WHS obligations.

Backflow incidents can introduce chemicals, pathogens and other contaminants into drinking water systems, creating serious health and safety risks and significant liability for businesses. This Backflow Prevention Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step-by-step method for selecting, installing, testing, maintaining and documenting backflow prevention devices in line with Australian requirements. It is designed to support workplaces that manage complex water systems, including commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, industrial sites, food and beverage operations, and public infrastructure.

The SOP helps organisations translate technical plumbing and health regulations into clear, workable instructions that frontline workers can follow. It covers risk assessment of potential cross-connections, correct device selection, pre-start checks, isolation and lock-out requirements, safe testing practices, and documentation to satisfy regulators, water authorities and auditors. By implementing this procedure, businesses can reduce the risk of contamination events, avoid service disruptions, and maintain confidence in the safety of their water supply while supporting compliance with WHS and public health legislation across Australian jurisdictions.

Key Benefits

• Ensure potable water systems are protected from contamination arising from cross-connections and backflow events.
• Reduce the risk of illness, regulatory breaches and reputational damage linked to compromised drinking water quality.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian plumbing, WHS and public health requirements through consistent, documented processes.
• Standardise how backflow prevention devices are selected, installed, tested and maintained across all sites and contractors.
• Support efficient audits and inspections by water authorities and regulators with clear records, checklists and test reports.

Who is this for?

• Licensed Plumbers
• Backflow Prevention Testers
• Facilities Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• Property and Asset Managers
• Hospital Engineering Services Managers
• Local Government Infrastructure Managers
• School and University Facilities Managers
• Aged Care Facility Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Contamination of potable water with chemicals from industrial processes
• Microbiological contamination of drinking water from stagnant or non-potable systems
• Exposure of workers and building occupants to unsafe drinking water
• Cross-connection between fire services, irrigation, HVAC and potable water systems
• Uncontrolled release of pressurised water during testing or maintenance
• Slips, trips and falls around wet work areas during backflow testing and repairs
• Manual handling injuries when installing or replacing heavy valves and assemblies

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (Backflow, Cross-Connection, Containment, Zone and Individual Protection)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Plumbers, Testers, Facilities and WHS Personnel)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Water Authority Requirements
• 5.0 Risk Assessment for Backflow and Cross-Connections
• 6.0 Selection of Backflow Prevention Devices by Hazard Rating
• 7.0 Pre-Start Requirements and Isolation Procedures
• 8.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Precautions
• 9.0 Installation Procedure for Backflow Prevention Devices
• 10.0 Step-by-Step Testing Procedure for Testable Devices
• 11.0 Maintenance, Inspection and Service Intervals
• 12.0 Managing Non-Conformances, Faults and Failed Tests
• 13.0 Emergency Response to Suspected or Confirmed Backflow Incidents
• 14.0 Communication with Water Authorities, Tenants and Occupants
• 15.0 Recordkeeping, Test Reports and Compliance Documentation
• 16.0 Training, Competency and Licensing Requirements
• 17.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• AS/NZS 3500.1: Plumbing and drainage – Water services
• AS/NZS 3500.0: Plumbing and drainage – Glossary of terms
• AS/NZS 2845.1: Water supply – Backflow prevention devices – Materials, design and performance requirements
• AS/NZS 2845.3: Water supply – Backflow prevention devices – Field testing and maintenance of testable devices
• Model WHS Act and Regulations (as adopted in relevant Australian jurisdictions)
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice
• State and Territory Public Health Acts and Water Authority Backflow Prevention Guidelines