Product Overview

Summary: This Marine and Aquatic Life Support Systems SOP sets out clear, practical steps for safely operating, monitoring and maintaining life support systems in aquariums, aquaculture facilities, research labs and marine exhibits. It helps protect workers, visitors and aquatic animals by controlling biological, chemical and electrical risks while keeping systems stable, compliant and fit for purpose in Australian conditions.

Marine and aquatic life support systems involve complex interactions between water treatment equipment, electrical and mechanical plant, chemicals, and living organisms. Without a structured procedure, staff can be exposed to hazards such as electrical shock, chemical burns, biological contamination and confined space risks, while aquatic stock can suffer from rapid water quality deterioration and system failures. This SOP provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for safely operating pumps, filtration, aeration, heating/cooling, UV sterilisation, dosing systems and associated monitoring equipment in Australian marine and aquatic facilities.

Developed with Australian WHS expectations in mind, the document helps facilities demonstrate due diligence by integrating hazard identification, risk controls and emergency response directly into day‑to‑day operations. It addresses the practical realities of running recirculating systems, open flow‑through systems and quarantine setups, including safe handling of saltwater, chemicals and bio‑waste. By implementing this SOP, organisations can standardise training, reduce downtime from preventable failures, protect staff and visitors, and maintain stable, healthy environments for marine and freshwater species across public aquaria, aquaculture farms, universities and research institutions.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe operation of pumps, filtration, UV, heating/cooling and dosing systems in line with Australian WHS requirements.
• Reduce the risk of worker injury from electrical, chemical and biological hazards associated with life support systems.
• Improve system reliability and animal welfare outcomes through consistent monitoring, maintenance and response protocols.
• Standardise training for technicians and animal care staff with clear, repeatable procedures and checklists.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and stakeholders through documented risk controls and emergency plans.

Who is this for?

• Aquarium Operations Managers
• Aquaculture Farm Managers
• Marine Facility Supervisors
• Life Support System Technicians
• Laboratory Managers (Marine and Aquatic Research)
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Zoo and Aquarium Curators
• Maintenance and Engineering Teams
• Environmental Health and Safety Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Electrical shock and electrocution from pumps, heaters and control panels in wet environments
• Chemical exposure from disinfectants, salt mixes, pH adjusters, chlorine neutralisers and water treatment agents
• Biological hazards from pathogens, biofilms, contaminated water and waste handling
• Manual handling injuries from moving water drums, salt bags, gas cylinders and heavy equipment
• Slips, trips and falls due to wet surfaces, hoses, cables and confined plant areas
• Noise and vibration from pumps, blowers and mechanical equipment
• Confined space risks in sumps, tanks, pits and plant rooms
• Exposure to UV radiation from sterilisation units during maintenance or incorrect shielding
• Thermal burns or cold stress from heaters, chillers and temperature‑controlled systems
• Environmental release of contaminated or chemically treated water to drains or natural waterways

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and System Overview
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Controls for Life Support Systems
• 5.0 Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 6.0 Pre‑Start Checks and System Readiness
• 7.0 Routine Operation of Life Support Systems
• 8.0 Water Quality Monitoring and Critical Control Limits
• 9.0 Chemical Handling, Storage and Dosing Procedures
• 10.0 Electrical Safety and Lockout/Tagout for Life Support Equipment
• 11.0 Safe Maintenance, Cleaning and Servicing of Equipment
• 12.0 Biological Risk Management and Quarantine Procedures
• 13.0 Spill Management, Wastewater Disposal and Environmental Protection
• 14.0 Emergency Response (Power Failure, System Failure, Contamination Events)
• 15.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Competency Assessment
• 17.0 Inspection, Testing, Calibration and Preventive Maintenance Schedules
• 18.0 Document Control, Review and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals: Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 2243.3: Safety in laboratories – Microbiological safety and containment (where applicable to aquatic pathogens)
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still commonly referenced)
• ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems (where adopted by the organisation)
• Local water authority trade waste and environmental discharge requirements (jurisdiction‑specific)