Product Overview

This Plumbing Installation and Repairs Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for a wide range of plumbing activities on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, pre-filled document that covers multiple aspects of plumbing installation and repair work to support strong WHS compliance and safer work practices.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Assembly, positioning, and safe operation of force pumps for water transfer and pressure applications
• Execution of general plumbing tasks including cutting, threading, joining, and pressure testing of pipework
• Emergency response and repair methods for fixing burst mains and high-pressure water leaks
• Removal and replacement of sanitary fixtures such as toilets, basins, sinks, and tapware
• Flow check procedures to verify correct operation, pressure, and isolation of newly installed or repaired systems
• General plumbing repairs in domestic, commercial, and light industrial environments, including fault finding
• Safe handling and removal of stubborn, corroded, or seized fixtures using mechanical and chemical methods
• High-level work for water heater installation, including access equipment selection and fall prevention controls
• Installation, commissioning, and maintenance of hot water systems, including electrical isolation coordination
• Installation of sanitary fixtures and associated pipework in bathrooms, kitchens, and amenities blocks
• Installing showerheads and fittings at height using ladders, platforms, or scaffolds with appropriate controls
• Laying underfloor plumbing services prior to concrete pour, including trenching, shoring, and service protection
• Use of plumb guards and protective devices to prevent contamination and damage to plumbing components
• Plumbing water meter installation, isolation, and reconnection to existing services
• Plumbing call-out work, including after-hours response, site assessment, and temporary make-safe procedures
• Manual handling of pipes, fittings, hot water units, and fixtures to minimise musculoskeletal injuries
• Use of hand and power tools for cutting, drilling, and fastening associated with plumbing works

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for licensed plumbers, plumbing contractors, maintenance plumbers, apprentices, and site supervisors overseeing plumbing installation, repair, and call-out work.

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-related plumbing activities
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Requirements for working at height during hot water system and high-level fixture installation
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls for lifting, carrying, and handling pipes, fixtures, and hot water units
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Relevant to power tool and equipment use during plumbing works
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Safe use and maintenance of pumps, powered tools, and access equipment
• AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage – Technical requirements for design, installation, and commissioning of plumbing and drainage systems
• AS/NZS 4020 Testing of products for use in contact with drinking water – Suitability of materials and fixtures used in potable water systems
• AS/NZS 5601 Gas installations – Where plumbing works interface with gas-fired hot water systems (in coordination with gasfitters)
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017