Product Overview

Summary: This Stormwater Management Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for controlling stormwater on Australian worksites and facilities. It helps businesses prevent pollution incidents, manage flood and slip hazards, and demonstrate due diligence under WHS and environmental legislation.

Uncontrolled stormwater can quickly turn a routine workday into a serious safety and environmental incident. From slips, trips and falls on wet, contaminated surfaces to flooding of excavations, undermined structures, and polluted run‑off entering drains and waterways, the risks are significant for Australian workplaces. This Stormwater Management Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, step‑by‑step approach for planning, implementing and maintaining effective stormwater controls on construction sites, depots, workshops, yards and other operational facilities.

The procedure guides your team through pre‑planning for rain events, correct installation and inspection of erosion and sediment controls, safe diversion of clean water, and the management of contaminated run‑off, spills and wash‑down activities. It clarifies who is responsible for inspections before, during and after rainfall, and how to respond when controls fail or weather conditions escalate. By adopting this SOP, businesses can reduce WHS risks associated with wet and unstable work areas, avoid costly clean‑ups and environmental infringements, and provide clear evidence of compliance with both workplace safety and environmental protection obligations in Australia.

Key Benefits

• Reduce slip, trip, fall and flooding risks by standardising how stormwater is managed on and around the worksite.
• Ensure compliance with WHS duties and environmental protection requirements relating to stormwater and pollution prevention.
• Prevent sediment, chemicals and waste from entering drains and waterways, protecting local ecosystems and community amenity.
• Improve preparedness for heavy rainfall events through clear planning, inspection and escalation procedures.
• Streamline training and onboarding by giving workers a consistent, easy‑to‑follow process for stormwater controls.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Facilities Managers
• WHS Managers
• Environmental Advisors
• Civil Engineers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Operations Managers
• Local Government Works Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Slips, trips and falls on wet or contaminated surfaces
• Excavation collapse or ground instability due to water ingress
• Vehicle skidding and loss of control on flooded or muddy access routes
• Drowning risk in flooded pits, trenches, sumps or open drains
• Exposure to contaminated stormwater containing oils, chemicals or sewage
• Environmental pollution from uncontrolled discharge of sediment, litter and hazardous substances
• Electrical hazards from water entering electrical pits, conduits or equipment
• Mosquito breeding and associated health risks in standing water

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (e.g. clean vs contaminated stormwater, erosion, sediment control)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Supervisors, Workers, Contractors)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Council Requirements
• 5.0 Risk Assessment and Planning for Stormwater Management
• 6.0 Site Layout and Drainage Mapping
• 7.0 Erosion and Sediment Control Measures
• 8.0 Management of Contaminated Stormwater and Wash‑down Areas
• 9.0 Installation, Inspection and Maintenance of Stormwater Controls
• 10.0 Weather Monitoring and Rain Event Preparedness
• 11.0 Operational Controls During Rainfall and Flood Conditions
• 12.0 Spill Response and Pollution Incident Management
• 13.0 Working Around Drains, Pits, Trenches and Waterbodies
• 14.0 Waste Management and Disposal of Captured Sediment and Contaminants
• 15.0 Training, Induction and Communication Requirements
• 16.0 Recordkeeping, Checklists and Inspection Forms
• 17.0 Audit, Review and Continuous Improvement
• 18.0 Emergency Contacts and Escalation Procedures

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and corresponding state/territory legislation)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and corresponding state/territory regulations)
• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)
• Relevant State/Territory Environment Protection Acts (e.g. Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW))
• AS/NZS ISO 14001: Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids (for managing run‑off from fuel and chemical storage areas)
• Local Council and Water Authority stormwater and trade waste guidelines
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Code of Practice (Safe Work Australia)