Product Overview

This Plumbing Suspended Pipework SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards and implement controls for installing and working on suspended plumbing systems, helping you maintain strong WHS compliance on every job. It is a comprehensive document that covers planning, installation, testing and maintenance activities for plumbing suspended pipework in commercial, industrial and residential environments.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and setting out locations and routes for suspended waste and water pipework
• Selection, inspection and safe use of ladders, mobile scaffolds and elevated work platforms (EWPs) for overhead plumbing work
• Suspended waste pipe installation, including measuring, cutting, joining and supporting pipework at height
• Use of mechanical fixings, hangers, clips, brackets and support systems for suspended pipework
• Manual handling of pipes, fittings and fixtures to minimise strain, crush and impact injuries
• Use of power tools and hand tools for drilling, cutting, threading and fastening into ceilings, soffits and structural members
• Working around existing services (electrical, HVAC, fire, data) and managing service clashes and isolation requirements
• Control of falling objects, including use of tool lanyards, exclusion zones and overhead protection
• Working at height in ceiling spaces, risers and plant rooms, including access, egress and emergency procedures
• Hot works associated with pipe joining (e.g. brazing, soldering) and implementation of hot work permits where required
• Noise, dust and silica exposure from drilling and cutting into concrete, masonry and structural elements
• Testing, flushing and commissioning of suspended pipework systems and managing leaks or failures safely
• Housekeeping, waste management and maintaining clear access ways beneath suspended plumbing works

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for commercial and domestic plumbers, hydraulic contractors, mechanical services installers, and site supervisors responsible for suspended 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 – guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including overhead and structural work
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – requirements and controls for work at height and in elevated areas
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – risk management for lifting, carrying and positioning pipes, fittings and equipment
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – controls for noise generated by drilling, cutting and power tools
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – relevant to adhesives, sealants, primers and cleaning agents used in plumbing installations
• AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage – technical requirements for design and installation of plumbing and drainage systems
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding – requirements for the safe use of scaffolding where used to access suspended pipework
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial Fall-Arrest Systems and Devices – selection and use of fall-arrest equipment where applicable