Product Overview

This Directional Drilling SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement developed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for horizontal and directional drilling operations on Australian worksites. It provides end-to-end coverage of planning, set-up, drilling, tracking, and reinstatement activities to support WHS compliance and safe management of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and set-out of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and boring works, including review of design drawings and work area constraints
• Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) checks, service locating, and confirmation of underground utilities prior to drilling
• Selection, inspection, and safe operation of directional drilling rigs and associated plant
• Horizontal directional boring techniques, including pilot hole drilling, reaming, and product pipe installation
• Use of tracking/locating systems to monitor drill head position, depth, and alignment
• Management of drilling fluids (mud), additives, mixing systems, and fluid circulation
• Control of drilling fluid returns, inadvertent returns (frac-outs), and environmental protection measures
• Establishment of exclusion zones, traffic management, and public interface controls around the drilling worksite
• Manual handling, lifting, and placement of drill rods, reamers, product pipe, and tooling
• Connection, pulling, and tension control when installing conduits, cables, or pipelines through the bore
• Noise, vibration, and dust control measures to protect workers, nearby properties, and the public
• Working around existing excavations, pits, entry/exit holes, and managing ground stability
• Emergency response procedures for utility strikes, fluid spills, equipment failure, or ground collapse
• Site reinstatement, backfilling of entry/exit pits, and clean-up of drilling fluids and spoil
• Pre-start checks, ongoing inspection, and maintenance of drilling plant and equipment

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for directional drilling contractors, civil construction companies, utility installers, telecommunications and electrical contractors, pipeline installers, and site supervisors overseeing horizontal directional drilling and boring works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work: Guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including trenching and underground services
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Excavation Work: Requirements for working in and around excavations, pits, and ground disturbance
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace: Controls for the safe use of drilling rigs and associated machinery
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks: Risk management for handling drill rods, tooling, and pipe
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work: Controls for high noise levels from drilling equipment
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment, and control implementation
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Relevant where electrical conduits or cables are installed via directional drilling
• AS 4799: Installation of underground utility services and pipelines: Guidance for installing services underground, including by trenchless methods
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017