Temporary Water Installation SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers temporary water installation from planning and work-zone setup through pipework, pumps, testing and reinstatement. It supports work planning and risk management by addressing services, excavation, materials handling, pressurised water and site conditions.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the installation route, supply connection and changing site conditions
• Set up a controlled work zone around services, vehicles, overhead lines and access areas
• Receive and stage materials, pipe and plant
• Excavate the pipe route and manage trench-related hazards
• Prepare bedding and pipe for installation
• Install temporary pipework in the trench or work area
• Join valves and fittings while managing cutting, solvents and leaks
• Connect the water supply and manage isolation, pressure and water release
• Install pumps and hoses while managing electrical and manual handling hazards
• Pressure test and commission the temporary water system
• Inspect, remove temporary works and reinstate the area

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out temporary water installation work.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to identify hazards, consult workers, manage risks, provide safe plant and systems of work, and prepare and comply with a SWMS where high risk construction work is involved.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction work (November 2024), as guidance only and subject to adoption or approval in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Excavation work, as guidance only and subject to adoption or approval in the relevant jurisdiction. The Code addresses atmospheric hazards, trench work and hazardous manual tasks.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace (June 2020), as guidance only and subject to adoption or approval in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks (October 2018), as guidance only and subject to adoption or approval in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces, as guidance only and subject to adoption or approval in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace (February 2024), as guidance only and subject to adoption or approval in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Technical guidance: AS/NZS 3500.1 Plumbing and drainage—Water services; AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations—Construction and demolition sites; AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment; AS/NZS 4020 Testing of products for use in contact with drinking water; AS 1742.3 Traffic control for works on roads; and relevant water-authority requirements. These standards apply where specified by contract, regulation, authority requirements or design documentation.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections