Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-risk construction work activities, hazards, and controls associated with Plumbing Rough-ins and Fitouts to help your team work safely and efficiently on site. It is a comprehensive, pre-filled and editable document that covers multiple stages of plumbing installation to support strong WHS compliance and consistent risk management across your projects.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and sequencing of plumbing rough-in works within new builds, renovations, and commercial fitouts
• Installation of water supply pipework, valves, and fittings during the rough-in stage
• Installation of waste, sewer, and vent pipework within wall cavities, ceilings, and floor spaces
• Use of power tools, hand tools, and cutting equipment for pipe preparation and fitting
• Drilling, coring, and penetration of walls, floors, and structural elements for plumbing services
• Working in confined or restricted spaces such as ceiling voids, underfloor areas, and service risers
• Manual handling of pipes, fixtures, hot water units, and associated plumbing materials
• Connection of plumbing services to mains water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure
• Final fit-out of plumbing fixtures including basins, toilets, baths, showers, sinks, and tapware
• Installation and commissioning of hot water systems and associated temperature control devices
• Testing, flushing, and pressure testing of pipework prior to handover
• Housekeeping, waste management, and control of offcuts, sharps, and trip hazards in work areas
• Coordination of plumbing works with other trades to minimise clashes and site safety risks

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for plumbers, plumbing contractors, maintenance plumbers, commercial fitout specialists, and site supervisors overseeing plumbing rough-in and final fit-out activities on Australian construction sites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities including plumbing rough-ins and fitouts.
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Controls for working at heights, ladders, and elevated areas during plumbing installation.
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Requirements for managing risks from lifting, carrying, and handling plumbing materials and fixtures.
• Code of Practice: Confined Spaces – Guidance for safe work in ceiling spaces, underfloor areas, and other restricted locations where applicable.
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Controls for noisy equipment such as drills, saws, and power tools used in plumbing works.
• AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage – Technical requirements for the design and installation of plumbing and drainage systems.
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites – Safe use of temporary electrical equipment and power tools on construction sites.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017