Directional Drilling SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers planning, setup, drilling, bore work, pipe pullback and reinstatement for directional drilling. It supports management of service, plant, excavation, fluid and traffic-related risks.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the work and complete pre-start reviews
• Establish the work area and manage access
• Locate and expose underground services
• Position plant and prepare entry and exit pits
• Prepare drilling fluid and associated hoses
• Drill the pilot bore and ream the bore hole
• Pull back product pipe and inspect the installation
• Manage drilling returns, backfill and reinstate the area
• Demobilise plant and complete handover

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out directional drilling activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable, consult workers, provide safe plant and systems of work, and manage construction work.
• Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work — guidance for service location, excavation, competent plant operation, traffic arrangements and SWMS where powered mobile plant is used.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace — guidance for guarding, isolation, inspection, maintenance and plant interaction controls.
• Model Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination — guidance for consultation between PCBUs, workers and asset owners.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace — guidance for SDS, storage, handling and spill controls.
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks — guidance for applying the hierarchy of controls.
• AS 5488.1 Classification of subsurface utility information; AS 5488.2 Subsurface utility engineering principles.
• AS 1742.3 Manual of uniform traffic control devices, Part 3: Traffic control for works on roads.
• AS/NZS 2550 series Cranes, hoists and winches—Safe use; use rated lifting gear and follow the applicable part.
• AS/NZS 1337.1 Personal eye-protection; AS/NZS 1270 Hearing protectors; AS/NZS 1801 Occupational protective helmets; AS/NZS 2210.3 Safety footwear; AS/NZS 4602.1 High-visibility safety garments.
• AS 2397 Safe use of lasers in the building and construction industry; construction work must not use Class 3B or Class 4 lasers.
• Relevant utility-owner technical requirements and approved crossing procedures for electrical, gas, telecommunications, water, sewer and other buried assets. Directional drilling is recognised as a method used to install underground conduits, and alignment and depth of existing assets can vary.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections