Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured, task-specific approach to the medical gas pipeline installation and testing process, with a clear focus on eliminating or minimising risks to workers and patients. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Medical Gas Pipeline Installation and Testing to support strong WHS compliance on Australian healthcare and construction sites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordination of medical gas pipeline installation works within live or new-build healthcare facilities
• Selection, handling and storage of copper pipe, fittings, valves and associated medical gas pipeline components
• Safe cutting, reaming and preparation of medical gas pipework to prevent contamination and physical injury
• Brazing and joining of medical gas pipelines, including control of heat, fumes and fire risks
• Installation and securing of medical gas pipe systems to walls, ceilings and service risers to prevent mechanical failure
• Identification, segregation and labelling of oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air, vacuum and other medical gas lines
• Pressure testing, leak detection and verification of medical gas pipelines prior to commissioning
• Purging, cleaning and quality assurance of medical gas pipe systems to meet clinical safety standards
• Isolation, lock-out and tag-out procedures when interfacing with existing live medical gas systems
• Use of portable and fixed access equipment (ladders, platforms, scaffolds) for overhead pipeline installation
• Electrical safety controls when working around building services, plant rooms and control panels
• Housekeeping, waste management and control of offcuts, hot work debris and packaging in sensitive healthcare environments
• Emergency response procedures for gas leaks, fire, exposure to oxygen-enriched atmospheres and confined plant areas

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for medical gas pipeline installers, mechanical and hydraulic contractors, hospital and healthcare facility builders, and site supervisors overseeing medical gas system installation and testing works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on safe handling of compressed and liquefied medical gases.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Requirements for working at height during overhead pipeline installation.
• Safe Work Australia – Confined Spaces Code of Practice: Controls for work in plant rooms, ceiling spaces and service risers that may constitute confined spaces.
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing controls.
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice: WHS requirements for construction activities associated with medical gas systems.
• AS 2896 Medical gas systems – Installation and testing of non-flammable medical gas pipeline systems: Technical requirements for installation, testing and verification of medical gas pipelines.
• AS 4332 The storage and handling of gases in cylinders: Requirements for safe storage and handling of medical gas cylinders on site.
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Electrical safety considerations when working near electrical services and control equipment.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017