Product Overview

This Sewer and Drain Cleaner SWMS is a detailed Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for sewer and drainage cleaning activities to support strong WHS compliance on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of sewer and drain cleaning operations, including manual, mechanical, and chemical methods, to help you manage High Risk Construction Work safely and efficiently.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Civil drain clearing activities, including safe access to pits, manholes, and underground services
• Cleaning of internal and external drainage systems to prevent blockages, overflows, and contamination
• Clearing blocked drains using manual, mechanical, and suction methods while controlling splash and biohazard exposure
• Use of chemical products (including MOMAR and similar agents) for clearing blocked drains, with controls for fumes, burns, and environmental impact
• Systematic clearing of sewer blockages, including identification of confined space risks and potential exposure to sewage
• Unblocking stormwater drains and pits, including work near traffic, plant, and water ingress during wet weather
• Operation of cable-type drain cleaning machines, including entanglement, electrical, and manual handling risk controls
• Operation of high-pressure water jet drain cleaning machines, including hose management, pressure hazards, and flying debris
• Safe cleaning and maintenance of gross pollutant traps (GPTs), including removal of debris, sludge, and contaminated waste
• Open drain cleaning activities, including slip, trip and fall prevention, edge protection, and work near excavations
• Plumbing drain re-lining works, including resin handling, curing processes, and ventilation requirements
• Unclogging complex drainage systems in commercial and industrial settings with appropriate isolation and lock-out procedures
• Use of mechanical drain cleaners and associated tools, including pre-start checks, guarding, and safe operating procedures
• Management of wastewater, contaminated materials, and disposal of debris in accordance with environmental and council requirements
• General site set-up, traffic and pedestrian management, signage, and housekeeping around sewer and drain cleaning work areas

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for plumbers, drainers, civil drainage contractors, maintenance teams, and site supervisors responsible for sewer, stormwater, and drainage cleaning operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing controls for sewer and drain cleaning tasks.
• Code of Practice: Confined Spaces – Requirements for safe entry into and work around pits, manholes, and sewer infrastructure that may be confined spaces.
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Chemicals – Controls for storing, handling, and using chemical drain cleaners and other hazardous substances.
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Controls for working around open pits, manholes, and open drains where fall risks exist.
• Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace – Guidance on first aid provisions for exposure to sewage, chemicals, and high-pressure equipment injuries.
• AS/NZS 4233.1: High pressure water jetting systems – Safe operation and maintenance – Requirements for the safe use of high-pressure water jet drain cleaning equipment.
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules) – Electrical safety requirements relevant to powered drain cleaning machines and equipment.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017