Product Overview

This Plumbing Pipe Work and Pipefitting SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards and implement controls for plumbing and pipefitting activities on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of plumbing pipe installation and WHS compliance for pipework tasks in domestic, commercial, and industrial environments.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe adjustment, use, and maintenance of manual and powered pipe cutters for various pipe materials
• Controlled bending of pipes and tubing to prevent kinking, crushing, or sudden release of stored energy
• Blocking off waste pipes to prevent contamination, odours, and exposure to biological hazards
• Carbon dioxide pipe freezing methods, including handling of CO₂ cylinders and managing cold-burn and asphyxiation risks
• Connecting hot and cold-water pipes, including isolation, depressurising, and verification of correct connections
• Copper pipe installation, including cutting, deburring, soldering/brazing, and managing hot work risks
• Copper tubing bending with hand and mechanical benders, including ergonomic controls and pinch-point protection
• Cutting PVC pipework using saws or specialised cutters, including dust control and safe tool handling
• Drilling for pipe installations through walls, floors, and structural elements with controls for services strikes and dust
• In-wall pipe work, including routing, fixing, and protecting pipes prior to sheeting or cladding
• Installation and pressure testing of chilled water pipes, including test pressure control and leak/rupture precautions
• Installing pipework in ceilings, risers, trenches, and service cavities with appropriate access and fall prevention
• Laying pipework in walls and cavities while maintaining clearances from electrical and other building services
• Use of metal pipe benders, including set-up, operation, and guarding against crush and entanglement hazards
• Operation of ductile iron pipe cutters, including securing pipes, managing stored energy, and handling sharp edges
• General manual handling of pipes, fittings, and equipment to minimise musculoskeletal injuries
• Housekeeping, waste management, and environmental controls related to plumbing and pipefitting activities

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for plumbers, pipefitters, mechanical services contractors, HVAC and chilled-water installers, maintenance plumbers, and site supervisors overseeing plumbing and pipework installations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Code of Practice: Construction Work – for planning and managing plumbing and pipework on construction sites
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – for lifting, carrying, and handling pipes, fittings, and equipment
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – where pipework is installed in ceilings, risers, or at height
• Code of Practice: Confined Spaces – where pipework is installed in pits, crawl spaces, or plant rooms classified as confined spaces
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – for cutting, drilling, and other noisy pipework operations
• Code of Practice: Welding Processes – where soldering, brazing, or welding of pipework is undertaken
• AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage – for technical requirements related to plumbing and drainage installations
• AS/NZS 5601 Gas Installations – where pipefitting activities interface with gas services (if applicable)