Product Overview

This Plumbing Drainage Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a professionally developed safety document designed to identify hazards, assess risks and implement controls for plumbing and drainage work on Australian worksites. It provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to planning and carrying out plumbing drainage activities while maintaining WHS compliance and managing High Risk Construction Work obligations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and preparation of plumbing drainage works, including site assessment, service locating and Dial Before You Dig checks
• Excavation of trenches for drainage lines, including shoring, benching and safe access/egress controls
• Installation of below-ground sewer and stormwater pipes, fittings and inspection points
• Handling, cutting and joining of PVC, HDPE, copper and other common drainage pipe materials
• Use of hand tools and power tools for cutting, grinding, drilling and pipe preparation
• Working in and around existing underground services such as gas, electrical and communications
• Working in confined or restricted spaces such as pits, manholes, crawl spaces and under-floor areas
• Manual handling of pipes, fittings, pre-cast pits, grates and drainage components to minimise musculoskeletal injury
• Use of mechanical lifting aids, trench shoring systems and plant around open excavations
• Control of water ingress, dewatering activities and working on wet or unstable ground
• Backfilling, compaction and reinstatement of trenches and surrounding work areas
• Traffic and pedestrian management around open trenches, pits and work zones
• Management of wastewater, sediment, spoil and environmentally sensitive run-off
• Emergency response planning for trench collapse, service strikes, exposure to contaminants and other plumbing drainage incidents

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for plumbers, drainage contractors, civil contractors, maintenance teams, apprentices and site supervisors involved in plumbing and drainage works on residential, commercial and civil construction sites.

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
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work: Guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including plumbing and drainage works
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Excavation Work: Requirements and controls for trenching, shoring and working in or near excavations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Confined Spaces: Risk management for work in pits, manholes and other confined areas
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks: Controls to minimise musculoskeletal disorders from lifting and handling pipes and materials
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction: Relevant controls for working near edges, pits and open excavations
• AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage (relevant parts): Technical requirements for the design and installation of plumbing and drainage systems
• AS 1742 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (relevant parts): Guidance for traffic and pedestrian management around work areas and open trenches