Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step-by-step method for safely inspecting, maintaining, and flushing reticulated water systems in Australian workplaces and facilities. It helps you control contamination, legionella and scalding risks, protect plant and equipment, and demonstrate due diligence under WHS and public health obligations.

Reticulated water systems are critical infrastructure in commercial, industrial, health, education and accommodation settings. Poorly managed pipework, storage tanks, hot water systems and associated fixtures can quickly lead to microbiological contamination, legionella growth, biofilm build-up, corrosion, leaks and disruptions to essential services. This Reticulated Water System Maintenance SOP provides a structured, repeatable process for planning, carrying out and documenting routine and reactive maintenance activities, with a strong focus on worker safety, occupant health and regulatory compliance.

The procedure outlines how to assess system condition, isolate sections safely, manage temperature controls, conduct flushing and disinfection, inspect backflow prevention devices, and respond to water quality complaints or test failures. It also sets expectations for PPE, permits, contractor coordination and communication with building occupants. By implementing this SOP, organisations can reduce the risk of water-borne illness, protect vulnerable populations, minimise unplanned outages and extend the life of costly assets, while having a defensible, audit-ready record of maintenance in line with Australian WHS and public health requirements.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, safe and compliant maintenance of reticulated water systems across all sites.
• Reduce the risk of legionella, other water-borne pathogens and associated illness in building occupants.
• Minimise unplanned downtime, leaks and asset failures through structured inspection and preventative maintenance.
• Standardise contractor and in‑house maintenance practices, improving quality control and traceability.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, insurers and clients with clear records and documented procedures.

Who is this for?

• Facility Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Plumbers and Plumbing Contractors
• Building Services Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Operations Managers
• Aged Care and Healthcare Facility Managers
• School and University Estate Managers
• Local Government Asset Managers
• Hospitality and Accommodation Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to legionella and other water-borne pathogens during flushing, sampling and maintenance activities
• Scalding from hot water systems and high-temperature flushing
• Slip, trip and fall risks from wet surfaces and hose management
• Contact with chemicals used for disinfection, descaling or corrosion control
• Confined space entry risks for tanks, plant rooms or pits associated with water systems
• Manual handling injuries from handling valves, covers, pumps and equipment
• Exposure to mould, biofilm and stagnant water in under-used sections of the system
• Pressure-related hazards such as sudden release of stored energy when isolating or recharging lines
• Electrical hazards around pumps, control panels and associated plant in wet environments

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 Guidance
• 5.0 Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification for Reticulated Water Systems
• 6.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 7.0 Pre‑Maintenance Planning and System Isolation Requirements
• 8.0 Routine Inspection and Preventative Maintenance Schedule
• 9.0 Flushing, Disinfection and Biofilm Control Procedures
• 10.0 Temperature Control, Legionella Risk Management and Monitoring
• 11.0 Backflow Prevention and Cross‑Connection Control Checks
• 12.0 Management of Chemicals and Water Treatment Products
• 13.0 Confined Space and High‑Risk Work Considerations (if applicable)
• 14.0 Incident Response, Water Quality Complaints and Non‑Conformance Management
• 15.0 Reinstatement of System and Post‑Maintenance Verification
• 16.0 Recordkeeping, Reporting and Documentation Requirements
• 17.0 Training, Induction and Contractor Management
• 18.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in each state and territory)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and drainage series
• AS 3666 Air-handling and water systems of buildings – Microbial control (where applicable to cooling and associated systems)
• AS/NZS 4020 Testing of products for use in contact with drinking water
• State and territory Public Health Acts and legionella management guidelines (e.g. Queensland Public Health Regulation, NSW Legionella Control Regulations)
• AS/NZS 4801 Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still commonly referenced) or ISO 45001 Occupational health and safety management systems