Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides a structured, WHS-focused approach to planning, operating and maintaining geothermal energy systems in Australian workplaces. It helps organisations safely harness subsurface heat for process, space heating or power generation while controlling high‑risk hazards such as high-pressure fluids, hot surfaces and potential gas release.

Geothermal energy utilisation introduces a unique combination of mechanical, thermal, chemical and environmental risks that must be carefully managed under Australian WHS law. From drilling and wellhead management through to heat exchange, circulation pumps and integration with existing plant, each stage presents potential for serious incidents if not controlled through a consistent, documented process. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step‑by‑step framework for safely operating geothermal systems in industrial, commercial and utility settings, with a strong emphasis on hazard identification, engineering controls, isolation procedures and emergency response.

Developed for the Australian regulatory environment, the SOP supports PCBUs to demonstrate due diligence when adopting low‑carbon energy technologies. It addresses practical issues such as managing high‑temperature fluids under pressure, preventing uncontrolled discharge, protecting workers from burns and exposure to naturally occurring gases, and ensuring safe interaction with electrical and mechanical plant. By implementing this procedure, businesses can confidently expand their renewable energy footprint while maintaining compliance, protecting workers and contractors, and minimising unplanned downtime linked to equipment failure or unsafe practices.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe and consistent operation of geothermal wells, heat exchangers and associated plant across all shifts and sites.
• Reduce the likelihood of burns, scalds, pressure‑related failures and uncontrolled fluid releases during geothermal operations.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS legislation, risk management duties and relevant Australian Standards for pressure, electrical and mechanical systems.
• Streamline training and induction for operators, contractors and maintenance personnel working on or near geothermal infrastructure.
• Improve system reliability and asset life through defined inspection, monitoring and preventative maintenance requirements.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Operations Managers
• Facility Managers
• Geothermal Project Engineers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Site Supervisors
• Environmental and Sustainability Managers
• Plant Operators and Technicians
• Design and Commissioning Engineers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to high-temperature fluids and hot surfaces leading to burns and scalds
• High-pressure fluid and steam release from wells, piping and valves
• Uncontrolled release of naturally occurring gases (e.g. hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide, methane)
• Mechanical failure of pumps, valves, heat exchangers and pressure components
• Electrical hazards associated with geothermal plant, control systems and auxiliary equipment
• Slips, trips and falls around wet, uneven or poorly drained geothermal plant areas
• Confined space risks in pits, vaults, plant rooms and below-ground infrastructure
• Chemical exposure from treatment chemicals, corrosion inhibitors and scale removers
• Noise exposure from drilling, pumping and plant operation
• Environmental contamination from leaks, spills or improper disposal of geothermal fluids

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Application
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Geothermal and WHS)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Description of Geothermal System and Interfaces with Other Plant
• 5.0 Pre-Start Requirements and Site Preparation
• 6.0 Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Measures
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Start-Up Procedure for Geothermal Systems
• 9.0 Normal Operating Procedures and Monitoring
• 10.0 Pressure, Temperature and Flow Control Protocols
• 11.0 Chemical Handling and Water Treatment Procedures
• 12.0 Isolation, Lockout/Tagout and De-energisation
• 13.0 Maintenance, Inspection and Testing Requirements
• 14.0 Confined Space Entry and Work Near Wells or Pits
• 15.0 Emergency Shutdown and Incident Response
• 16.0 Spill, Leak and Gas Release Management
• 17.0 Environmental Protection and Discharge Management
• 18.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 19.0 Documentation, Recordkeeping and Reporting
• 20.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant State/Territory WHS Acts)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (and State/Territory equivalents)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Confined spaces
• AS/NZS 3788: Pressure equipment – In-service inspection
• AS 4343: Pressure equipment – Hazard levels
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines
• AS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation