Product Overview

Summary: This Rainwater Harvesting Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, WHS-aligned framework for safely collecting, storing, treating and using rainwater in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses manage health, contamination, and working-at-heights risks while maximising the efficiency and reliability of their rainwater systems.

Rainwater harvesting systems are increasingly used across Australian workplaces to reduce mains water consumption, support sustainability targets and provide water for irrigation, wash-down and some process uses. While these systems appear simple, they introduce a range of WHS and public health risks, including working at heights on roofs, confined space hazards around tanks, exposure to biological contaminants, and unsafe interaction with electrical pumps and controls. Without a structured procedure, businesses can inadvertently create new risks while trying to improve environmental performance.

This Rainwater Harvesting Safe Operating Procedure sets out a practical, step-by-step method for safely planning, operating and maintaining rainwater systems on commercial, industrial, agricultural and community sites. It covers everything from pre-start inspections and isolation of pumps, through to safe roof access, gutter and inlet screen cleaning, water quality management, and integration with mains water supplies. The SOP helps organisations demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation, supports compliance with plumbing and public health requirements, and provides a consistent training tool so workers know exactly how to operate the system safely and hygienically every time.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe installation, operation and maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems in line with Australian WHS obligations.
• Reduce the risk of falls from height, electrical incidents and manual handling injuries associated with accessing roofs, tanks and pumps.
• Protect workers, students, visitors and the community from exposure to contaminated or unsafe water.
• Standardise inspection, cleaning and maintenance tasks to extend asset life and minimise unplanned downtime.
• Demonstrate environmental responsibility while maintaining robust safety and health controls.

Who is this for?

• Facility Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• Operations Managers
• Grounds and Maintenance Technicians
• Environmental and Sustainability Officers
• Site Supervisors
• Property Managers for Commercial and Industrial Sites
• School Business Managers
• Council and Local Government Asset Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height while accessing roofs, gutters and downpipes
• Slips, trips and falls around wet or mossy tank aprons and collection areas
• Electrical shock or electrocution from pumps, control panels and associated wiring
• Biological contamination and exposure to pathogens (e.g. Legionella, bacteria, bird droppings, mosquito breeding)
• Chemical exposure from water treatment chemicals such as chlorine or algaecides
• Confined space hazards associated with large tanks, pits and below-ground storage
• Manual handling injuries from lifting or moving filters, access covers, pumps and pipework
• Structural failure or collapse of tanks, supports, ladders and access platforms
• Cross-connection risks between rainwater and potable mains water supplies
• Bites and stings from insects, spiders or vermin nesting around tanks and gutters

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and System Overview
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 System Components and Safety Features (Tanks, Pumps, Roofs, Gutters, Filters)
• 6.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Rainwater Harvesting Activities
• 7.0 Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Equipment
• 8.0 Pre-Start Checks and Isolation Procedures for Pumps and Electrical Equipment
• 9.0 Safe Access to Roofs, Gutters and Elevated Work Areas
• 10.0 Safe Procedures for Cleaning Gutters, Screens and First-Flush Devices
• 11.0 Tank Inspection, Cleaning and Confined Space Entry Controls
• 12.0 Water Quality Management, Treatment and Monitoring Requirements
• 13.0 Management of Cross-Connections with Mains Potable Water
• 14.0 Operation of Pumps, Valves and Control Systems
• 15.0 Manual Handling and Use of Tools and Equipment
• 16.0 Mosquito, Vermin and Biological Hazard Control
• 17.0 Emergency Procedures (Spills, Contamination, Electrical Faults, Falls)
• 18.0 Maintenance Schedules, Recordkeeping and Reporting
• 19.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 20.0 Audit, Review and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Confined Spaces Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and drainage series (including requirements for rainwater harvesting and cross-connection control)
• AS/NZS 4020: Testing of products for use in contact with drinking water
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still commonly referenced)
• Public Health and Wellbeing Acts and Regulations (state and territory specific, e.g. Legionella control requirements)